As spring break approaches, many of you will depart campus over the next couple of days. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds you to take the following necessary steps to protect your residence and belongings before you leave.
For those who live on campus, please take the following steps to secure your space:
- Secure and lock all doors and windows.
- Close all curtains/blinds.
- Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
- Do not give your keys out.
- Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record, including serial numbers.
- Do not leave credit cards, checkbooks, cash, vehicle keys/fobs or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief.
If you live off campus, please take the following steps:
- Make your residence appear occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
- Use dusk-to-dawn light bulbs and/or make sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient; contact your landlord if it is not.
- Lock sliding glass doors and place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track of the door.
- Take anything valuable home with you (e.g. laptop computer, video game console, jewelry, etc.).
- Do not leave any valuable items near windows. Take pictures of anything valuable and ensure that you have installed tracking software and documented the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
- Unplug all electrical items, except your refrigerator and timers.
- If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.
If you see anything suspicious, for on campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app or for off campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.
While many members of our community will be traveling during the break, others will remain on campus or in Syracuse. As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you observe anything concerning.
As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.
Wishing you all safe travels and a restful spring break.