Officials offer safety pointers

Following a rash of burglaries in High Rise South over winter break, University Police and Residential Living officials announced this week that police will increase patrols of the High Rises over spring break. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said Wednesday that a police officer will be assigned to patrol inside the High Rises at the request of Residential Living officials. Kuprevich said that officers cannot detect non-forced entry, but added that any attempts to force entry can be documented. Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone said her department sent an information sheet to all students about how to protect their valuables and prepare for break. "The most important thing is that students make sure that their room is locked," Simeone said. "We were surprised before holiday break to find students who left with their rooms unlocked." Kuprevich said students should also engrave property, which can be arranged through Victim Support Services. Kuprevich also recommended that students take small possessions of value home with them over break. Simeone made several other recommendations for students who are staying on campus, including: · Walk with a friend when traveling on and around campus or use Escort Services when it is in service. · Close curtains or blinds after dark. Never dress in front of a window because your silhouette may be visible from the street. · Wait for an empty elevator car, rather than getting on with a stranger. · If you see a suspicious person in the corridors or lounges, or if someone knocks on your door soliciting, call the front desk or University Police. · Let your friends and roommates know where you are going and when you will be back. Kuprevich also said that he advises students driving to their destination to get enough rest before they start and not to drive non-stop for long periods of time. He said students should stop frequently -- every hour or every 100 miles of driving -- to get out of the car and get rest and set a daily limit of 300 to 400 miles a day. He added that students should drive no more than eight to 10 hours a day. "Finally, remember that drinking and driving is deadly," Kuprevich said. "We're looking forward to all of you coming back and finishing the year in good health and in good spirits."