Four Tips for Stopping Thieves During Finals Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The end of the semester is a busy time for everyone on campus – including thieves. University Police say there is almost always an increase in theft, burglary and car break-ins when students are busy studying, taking finals, and getting ready to leave campus.

But the UAPD recommends four simple things you can do to protect your property.

• Don’t leave valuables unattended. Most thefts are crimes of opportunity – someone sees a cell phone, book, wallet, bag or laptop unattended and simply takes it.
• Lock your doors. Crooks will check apartment, residence hall, or office doors; if they find one unlocked it’s easy to step inside. If someone is there they say they’re in the wrong room. If the room is empty, they’ll steal anything valuable they can find.
  
• Lock your car doors, too and hide your valuables. A thief may decide to break in to a car if he or she sees something worth the risk. Car break ins can happen any time, day or night.
• Report suspicious activity. If you see someone checking doors to rooms or vehicles, call the UAPD at 575-2222 as soon as possible. Try to give a physical description, including approximate height, weight, race, hair color, and clothing description. Direction of travel is also very useful.