How to keep your items safe at Ohio State while away for Thanksgiving break

Stewart Blake
Wed, 22 Nov 2017 12:43:55 +0000
Campus, Crime, Online Exclusive, Web, burglaries, crime, ohio state, osu, OSUPD, student safety, Thanksgiving Break

For Ohio State students heading home for Thanksgiving break, taking some extra precaution could prevent any holiday blues upon returning to campus.

After a string of burglaries stretching throughout campus and off-campus areas, students are being urged by University Police to make sure their belongings and rooms are properly locked to deter any would-be burglaries.

“We remind you to lock doors and windows and take valuables with you,” said Dan Hedman, a spokesman for the Office of Administration and Planning. “As a precaution, unplug electrical extension cords and do not leave money, checks or credit cards in your home.”

In a tweet, University Police encouraged students to view an Office of Student Life safety tips page and other safety resources to prevent any incident that might occur with a mostly desolate campus.

The warnings come after nearly 40 reported thefts occurred on campus between Oct. 21 and 31, which included stolen computers and gaming equipment, among other things.

Bringing home items like laptops, tablets, gaming systems and other tech devices are an extra step to avoid a potential robbery.

Hedman said University Police will be increasing patrols during the holiday, but said if students return to any missing items, they should report them immediately.

“The safety of our campus community is our No. 1 priority. We want to remind students, faculty and staff to take extra precautions if traveling for the holidays,” Hedman said.

If you see any suspicious activity, contact OSUPD at 614-645-4545 or report anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.