Police give students tips for safe spring break, security in housing complexes
Local police agencies are offering students advice about how to be safe while they're away during their spring break.
Public Information Officer Jeff Browne of Mount Pleasant Police offered advice about property safety, physical safety and alcohol safety.
"I want students to keep themselves safe and keep themselves from being a potential victim," Browne said. "I also hope they take some initiative to help keep their property safe."
Students should secure their apartment or residence hall room before leaving, he said. Police recommend leaving some interior and exterior lights on in apartments.
"It seems that we have a bit of an influx of break-ins when students leave for a period of time," Browne said.
He said those leaving their cars in Mount Pleasant over spring break should park their vehicle off the streets and in an area that is highly visible and well lit.
Students should also remove all valuables from vehicles or put them out of plain sight and ensure vehicle doors are locked, Browne said.
“Let a trusted neighbor know to keep an eye on things,” said Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski. “Tell them if they hear noises coming from the apartment to call 9-1-1.”
Mioduszewski said items typically stolen are electronics. He said some burglars will take items they steal and sell them off.
The MPPD also recommends seeing a mechanic and making sure a vehicle is functioning well before traveling long distances. Students should refrain from posting departure dates and their expected time of return online.
“Crimes like these are called opportunity crimes,” Mioduszewski said. “People know the apartments are vacated and go in and take whatever they want ... They know their chance of being detected is less.”
He said those leaving for the week should use their locks and deadbolts. Students should also put a wooden dowel in any sliding doors or windows.
Browne said apartment managers do a good job of keeping their complexes safe. He said the MPPD meets with the managers bi-yearly.
"We work with the apartment managers and they send out safety notices for us to their residents," he said.
Precautions are also taken in residence halls on campus.
Grant Skomski, assistant director of Residence Life, said students are given a checkout list before they leave for break.
"Besides locking their door, we encourage students, if they do have valubles, to they take them home," he said.
Skomski said residence hall break-ins are not a common occurrence but that they do happen every so often.
"CMU Police makes ongoing rounds in the locked residence halls," Skomski said.
