MUPD is investigating a series of unsecured residence burglaries occurring in an area north of campus bounded by Highland and Wells Avenues and 20th and 14th streets. The one thing in common is all of the entries were gained through unsecured windows and doors. MUPD wants to remind the campus community of the following safety best practices, specifically as it pertains to off-campus residences.
- Always lock your door — even when you’re sleeping, gaming or waiting for a roommate to return.
- Do not allow strangers to enter your residence or building no matter what the excuse is. Do not open your door unless you can identify the person seeking entry.
- Do not let unknown individuals “tailgate.” Ask who they are visiting and offer to call MUPD to assist them.
- Do not prop any exterior doors open to allow unescorted visitors into the residence or building (pizza delivery, friends, etc.).
- Report lost or stolen keys to your landlord immediately.
- Report any malfunctioning locks, doors or windows to your landlord immediately.
- Do not leave your keys lying around in your room when you are not in the room.
- Do not leave messages on your door about when you will be returning.
- Tell a roommate or friend if you are planning to be away overnight or for a few days.
- Report any suspicious persons or activities (including solicitors) in or near your residence to MUPD.
- Secure your valuables and engrave expensive items with identifying information.
- Always lock your doors and windows at night, especially if you reside on the first or second floors.
- Do not leave your identification, keys, wallets, checkbooks or other valuables in open view.
- Get to know your roommates and neighbors.
- During academic breaks, MUPD offers the Vacant House Watch program to students residing in the near-off-campus neighborhood. Students can register their residences with MUPD before leaving campus for spring or winter break. During break, officers monitor vacant residences during their routine patrols of the neighborhood.
- A crime prevention officer can help you assess the security of your residence. The crime prevention officer will walk through your residence with you and prepare a written report detailing any security concerns. The written report will be given to you so you can use it to discuss with your landlord.
- The university encourages all students, faculty and staff to download MUPD’s free safety app, EagleEye, as an added layer of security. The EagleEye app features a mobile BlueLight feature, which allows users to press a button in the app that connects them directly to MUPD and sends the device’s location in real-time, as long as location services are turned on.
Learn more on MUPD’s website.