Campus Apartment | Photo by Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian
As finals week comes to a close and students pack up for the holidays, it is important to properly close up apartments and dorm rooms. To avoid fighting off burglars like Kevin in Home Alone, here are eight tips, beyond locking your doors, to keep your apartment safe over winter break.
1. Make your apartment look like someone is home.
Just like Kevin in Home Alone with his cardboard cutouts, one way to deter burglars is to make sure it looks like someone is in the residence while you are gone.
To keep electric bills down, and to avoid having to explain why you have so many cutouts of Joe Burrow, set a lamp to an automatic timer to turn on when the sun sets and turn off in the morning.
2. Keep blinds shut and valuables out of sight
While this one is pretty self-explanatory, shutting blinds and locking windows keeps malicious lurkers from seeing inside. Do not “tempt” a thief by leaving your brand new Xbox or PC next to an uncovered window.
3. Add motion-sensitive exterior lights
Admittedly, this one and number four will not really work for students on Wright State’s campus, however, adding renter friendly motion detected exterior lights can help fight ill-intended actors.
Amazon has a wide range of these lights that include ones that can be stuck in the ground and ones that can be mounted on walls.
4. Doorbell Cameras and Alarm Systems
Installing doorbell cameras can help deter thieves or gather evidence if you are robbed. The classic alarm system is also still effective, but only if it is actually turned on.
“Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system” the San Jose Police Department states on their website.
5. Don’t broadcast your plans
Social media is a new found tool of thieves, many career-criminals use social media to find out when some will be away from their home.
If you are traveling over break, the Wright State University Police Department recommends that students do broadcast plans.
“Avoid sharing your travel dates on social media until after you return,” Chief Holden noted.
6. Secure sliding glass doors
According to Rent.com, one of the easiest ways to break into an apartment is through a sliding door on a balcony or first floor.
To secure the door, place a bar in the track of the door to stop the door from being opened from the outside. Students can find cheap wooden dowels for sliding doors on Amazon or at a home improvement store like Lowe’s.
7. Pause mail deliveries
Having mail pile up in your mailbox or in front of your door is a tell-tale sign that someone is not home.
“Pause mail delivery through USPS or ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail and packages while you’re away,” Chief Holden advises.
8. Know Your Resources
Renters’ insurance protects renters from financial harm in the event of harmful incidents such as being burglarized. Plans vary based on the insurer and the situation of the insuree, however, nearly all companies that offer homeowners’ also offer renters’ insurance.
Students should check their current plans and shop around to find the best plan for them.
Lastly, it is important to know who to go to if something were to happen.
Wright State University Police Department offers year-round safety support and is always available at (937) 775-2111.
For those off-campus, Fairborn Police Department is always available at (937) 754-3000.
Bonus!
Wright State University Police Department recommends students “unplug small appliances and electronics to prevent potential fire hazards and conserve energy while you’re away.”
