Holiday Break Crime Prevention Tips (November 21, 2003)

    Many students will be away from their off-campus apartments/houses during Winter Break. In years past, some off-campus residences have been burglarized. Here are a few crime prevention tips to help you make your home and yourself safer while you are away during the holidays.

Before leaving, secure your residence:

1. Have good locks on doors and windows and use them.
2. Make sure your residence looks lived in, not empty.
   • Leave curtains and blinds in a normal position.
   • Ask a neighbor to watch your residence.
   • Stop all mail and paper deliveries.
   • Use timers to turn lights, a radio or TV on and off.
   • Turn your phone ringer off or down.
   • Don't announce your absence on your answering machine.
   • Try to leave at least one vehicle in the driveway while gone.
3. Take all valuables with you.
4. Ask the local police to check your home while away.
      Salisbury City Police    410-548-3165
      Wicomico Co. Sheriff    410-548-4891
      Fruitland Police            410-548-2804

On the road:

1. Never carry large amounts of cash--use travelers' checks.
2. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
3. Be very careful with bus or airplane tickets--keep them secure.
4. Be sure your luggage is locked.
5. Park in a well-lit area.
6. Always keep your vehicle doors locked.
7. Check the back seat before entering the vehicle.
8. Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

While staying at a hotel:

1. Keep your room key or card in a safe place.
2. Request a key or card without the room number on it.
3. Use the peephole to identify anyone requesting entry.
4. Close all curtains while away from the room.
5. If you feel uneasy about going to the laundry, pool or gym, have someone go with you or let the front desk know you're going.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday!

Jim Phillips
Chief-University Police