Updated with current information for 2023
You know who’s planning their Christmas shopping as soon as students leave for the holiday break? Burglars. But like Santa Claus on opposite day, they take instead of give. Don’t leave out any cookies, not to mention your iPad, as a token for their trouble.
Thieves just might love Christmas as much as children. Robberies in California, for example, are nearly 20 percent higher in December than any other time of the year, CNN reported. And in a town like Athens Ohio, where most Ohio University housing sits empty like a wrapped present under a tree, it’s almost too easy. Here’s how to best secure your student rental while you are out of town this Christmas.
Lock Windows, Lock Doors
This may seem like a no brainer but remember who your roommates are. With so many people living in a house, it’s easy to forget to lock the backdoor or the latch the living room windows. Make sure the last person who leaves double checks all locks on doors and windows. If your rental has parking in a standalone garage, make sure it’s latched shut also. And don’t think you’re safe because you live in an apartment with multiple doors separating your unit from the street – better to play it safe rather than sorry.
Stash the Goodies
Don’t leave anything of temptation in sight of living room or bedroom windows. Hide all valuables, or better yet, take them with you, especially when it comes to laptops, iPads, money or jewelry. Close the drapes. Keep a porch light on. Thieves will be less inclined to risk breaking through a door with a light out of fear of passing police.
Stage Presence
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to make it look like somebody’s home. Put lights on a timer. Leave the stereo on, turned to WOUB. Leave the bathroom light with the door cracked at all times. Sure, it’s a stretch to pretend that anybody’s going to be in an Athens Ohio student apartment on Christmas Day, but thieves can never know for sure. Use their paranoia to your advantage. Maybe they’ll go hit the neighbors instead.
Yard Maintenance is Key
One important aspect of protecting your off-campus rental is to keep the yard well-maintained. This includes trimming bushes and trees, removing dead branches, and cutting the grass. A well-maintained yard can deter burglars by making it more difficult for them to hide, and can also make it easier for neighbors to spot any suspicious activity. Usually, the landlord will take care of this for you, but not always.
Parking
Another important aspect of protecting your off-campus rental is to be mindful of where you park your car. If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to park your car in a well-lit area or in a garage. Avoid parking on the street, as this can make it easier for burglars to target your vehicle.
If your rental has parking, feel free to use it over this break, but take steps to ensure that its protected. This can be as simple as purchasing a wheel lock for your car, or ordering a cheap camera to monitor the spot.
Luckily, Athens is a pretty safe environment, so hopefully you’ll never have to find yourself being the victim of a burglary. Taking these steps, though, can give you a little extra piece of mind while you’re home over break.