Personal safety for the savvy college student
By: Lorelei Willett
Issue date: 8/26/09 Section: Features
It's that time of year again - time for books, football games, new friends and the making of memories, but with it comes the all-nighters, the after-parties and the sometimes-creepy "friend of a friend." No matter what your plans are for this year, freshmen and upper classmen alike should take a refresher course on how to stay safe on and off campus.
"Theft is more prevalent in our community than crimes against person; however, everyone still needs to be aware of their surroundings no matter where they are in the Bryan-College Station area," said Sgt. Allan Baron of the Texas A&M University Police Department.
Baron suggests locking vehicles and not leaving valuables visible in the vehicle to help prevent burglaries. Students should keep a log of property with the items' make, model and serial number, which will help law enforcement in the recovery of stolen property and arresting suspects.
"Locking their residence doors and windows, as well as keeping their garage doors closed, will help deter burglaries," Baron said.
Baron encourages students who live off campus to get to know neighbors and find out what is normal in their neighborhood so they can report any suspicious activity to the police.
"Students that inquire about locations they are interested in living are encouraged to contact their local police department and inquire as to what crimes have occurred in that neighborhood," Baron said.
While it is important to watch out for your physical surroundings, Internet safety is another step students can take to ensure a safe college experience.
"Limiting the amount of personal information on cyber network sites such as Facebook and Myspace [will] help guard against stalking and harassments, as well as identity theft," Baron said. "Being aware of the local frauds and scams occurring in our area will better protect those coming in contact with such individuals."
Although there are many protective measures one can take, the best weapon students can have is their instincts and common sense.
"Theft is more prevalent in our community than crimes against person; however, everyone still needs to be aware of their surroundings no matter where they are in the Bryan-College Station area," said Sgt. Allan Baron of the Texas A&M University Police Department.
Baron suggests locking vehicles and not leaving valuables visible in the vehicle to help prevent burglaries. Students should keep a log of property with the items' make, model and serial number, which will help law enforcement in the recovery of stolen property and arresting suspects.
"Locking their residence doors and windows, as well as keeping their garage doors closed, will help deter burglaries," Baron said.
Baron encourages students who live off campus to get to know neighbors and find out what is normal in their neighborhood so they can report any suspicious activity to the police.
"Students that inquire about locations they are interested in living are encouraged to contact their local police department and inquire as to what crimes have occurred in that neighborhood," Baron said.
While it is important to watch out for your physical surroundings, Internet safety is another step students can take to ensure a safe college experience.
"Limiting the amount of personal information on cyber network sites such as Facebook and Myspace [will] help guard against stalking and harassments, as well as identity theft," Baron said. "Being aware of the local frauds and scams occurring in our area will better protect those coming in contact with such individuals."
Although there are many protective measures one can take, the best weapon students can have is their instincts and common sense.
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