Semester break a serious holiday for thieves

An unlocked window was all that burglars needed to gain entry into Lexington Community College sophomore Ellen Matthews' Aylesford Place apartment during Christmas break last year. Unfortunately for Matthews the burglars were able to steal more than $1,500 worth of merchandise.

"Fortunately, they didn't take any of my personal belongings," Matthews said. "I do not understand why anyone would want to break into a college student's apartment over the Christmas break."

Matthews resolved to never leave any window or door open in her apartment again while she is away.

"The people who broke into my apartment are the scum of the earth!" she added.

The culprits who broke into Matthews' apartment were never caught.

Stephanie Bastin, UK crime prevention coordinator, said it is important for students to take crime prevention techniques to make sure their belongings are not stolen over the break.

"Students need to act responsibly and secure their rooms over the break," Bastin said. "Unfortunately, burglars do not discriminate on which apartment rooms they choose to burglarize."

Bastin recommends students secure their rooms by locking windows and doors. Apartment dwellers should leave both a light timer and a radio turned on.

"Students should contact the post office and have a stop placed on your mail and or newspaper and better yet, if a friend or neighbor will be staying in the neighborhood, have them monitor the area and pick up the mail and newspaper," Bastin said.

Bastin also said that is important to tell others about your holiday plans.

"It is very important that someone know where you are going and when you will be back," Bastin said. "It would also be a good idea to leave a number that you can be reached at with a friend or neighbor that will be staying in Lexington."

Residence hall students should lock their doors, close the blinds and turn off all appliances. Residents should also follow individual building guidelines from hall directors and resident assistants.

If possible, residents should take valuable possessions with them and place all valuable possessions left behind in an inconspicuous place.

Also bicycles should not be left on campus bike racks and should be locked away in storage. Students can check with individual hall directors to find out if it is all right to leave bicycles in residence hall rooms.