LMU Campus Safety has recently been made aware of an uptick in thefts in the Westchester community, particularly of automobiles. As the campus community disperses for the upcoming holiday breaks, a few easy actions can dramatically reduce the risk of stolen property.
Preventing Vehicle Theft
If leaving your vehicle parked off campus over the holidays, be sure to use a steering wheel lock or similar device. This highly visible deterrent prevents thieves from being easily able to drive the car away, thus making a break-in not worth their effort. If possible, leave your car in a well-lit area (parked under a streetlight, for example) and always keep the seats clear of all objects. Even if you know there are no valuables in the car, a potential thief might see items left on the seat and realize they don’t hold value only after they’ve broken into your car.
General Theft Prevention Tips During Finals and Holiday Breaks
With the strain of finals, especially late nights studying, it’s easy to let your guard down. Remember to never leave items unattended, even if you’ll “be right back.” And once you’re headed home for the holidays, be sure to take precautions to secure your belongings, so that they’re where you left them when you return. This includes hiding valuables (or take them with you), locking doors and windows, and if you live on the first floor of a residence hall, closing blinds and curtains so others cannot peer in while you’re gone. If you live off-campus, set a light on a timer so you look “home” at night. For these and other safety tips for living on and off campus, visit the Campus Safety Tips page.
