Police offer safety tips for break

Students and faculty alike are looking forward to a break without the pressures of work. For Penn's security force, however, the work is just beginning. According to University Police, the long winter break seems to send security problems soaring, prompting concern from students who live both on and off campus. In an effort to assuage these concerns, security personnel -- along with Residential Living -- will be stepping up preventative measures and offering special services, according to Gordon Rickards, assistant director of Residential Operations and Facilities. "We'll begin 24-hour security checks on the 23rd [of December] when the dorms close and make sure every thing is locked up tight," Rickards said. As a safety measure, the only buildings left open over break will be the high rises and the graduate towers. The doors of all other residences will be locked at noon on December 23. Students will not be allowed back into the dorms until January 11, when the doors will open at 9 a.m. The closings may present a problem for students staying on campus over the holidays. These students are encouraged to live with a friend for the duration of break, or to sign out a room in one of the open buildings. "Students who currently have a housing contract can bring their PennCards to the Assignments Office of Residential Living and arrange to have a room to stay in over the break," Rickards said. There are also several options for students who live off-campus and are concerned about the security of their residences over break. Michaela Farcas, assistant director of Off-Campus Living, suggests students talk to Victim Support/Special Services about a free safety audit. "They will come and check your residence and your possessions and tell you what you should do to secure them properly and keep them safer," Farcas said. The Division of Public Safety will also conduct special checks of the exterior of residences for signs of criminal activity or security breaches over break. Faculty, students and staff can request to have their homes listed for a special security check by applying at the Penn Police Headquarters or the Victim Support/Special Services Office. According to Rickards, Residential Living will be distributing a flyer to faculty and staff addressing the issue of security and including a list of precautions that should be taken. "Students leaving campus should secure or remove all valuables, close and lock all windows and doors and set their lights to turn on and off periodically if possible, to give the impression that someone is home," Farcas said. "In addition, talk to your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out." She added that students' answering machines should not indicate that they have gone away for the break. Students remaining on campus over winter break are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings and to take extra precautions, Farcas said. They should carry only necessary belongings and keep wallets in coat pockets and grasp bags and purses tightly. Students are also encouraged not to travel alone.