The Morehead News
Aug. 17, 2012 — With the beginning of the fall semester, Morehead State University’s Police Department offers this advice to the campus community: Be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to avoid loss of your belongings.
“It is not uncommon to see an increase in crime at this time of year,” said MSU Police Chief Matt Sparks. “On the campus, everyone is busy with the start of the year activities and fail to adhere to the safety rules that they usually follow.”
Purses, wallets, cell phones, iPods and textbooks are among the list of items that are reported missing most often.
Always on the lookout for suspicious activity, an increase in the number of reports of theft has police officers being ever more vigilant. Students, as well as faculty and staff, are urged to take all necessary measures to secure and protect personal belongings in residence halls, offices and vehicles, in addition to office equipment and other vulnerable items.
“We want to remind you to take the extra time to secure items in the trunk or under the seat before leaving your automobile,” Chief Sparks said. “The threat of a break-in is reduced if your belongings are not visible. Remember to lock your vehicle before leaving it in the parking area."
University police remind students to also practice safety in the residence halls:
• Make sure your door is locked when leaving your room, even if you are only going next door. It takes less than 10 seconds for a thief to enter an open room and steal property.
• Do not leave messages on phones or computer accounts, indicating how long you will be away or when you expect to return.
• Follow the safety in numbers rule when going out at night and arrange to go with friends/roommates. It is a good practice to scan your surroundings whether walking on campus, traveling by automobile or enjoying a shopping excursion.
• Do not leave valuables or property (purses, backpacks, books, personal identification, etc.) visible in or around the office or living area.
• Keep emergency numbers by the phone. Call 911 to report any suspicious person or activity.
• Take the time to be aware of your surroundings and any unusual activity.
Sparks also reminds students of the new student parking lots behind Nunn and Waterfield halls, which are reserved and will be enforced 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
MSUPD will be conducting traffic checkpoints at various locations on campus this fall.
Additional information is available by calling the MSU Police Department at 783-2035.
