Break time

We are approaching winter break, which seemed like such a distant speck on the horizon during orientation in August. It is a time for many to go home, rest, recharge, drink eggnog and catch up on sleep, nutrition and laundry that may have suffered during the academic semester. The CWRU Police Department will keep the lights on here until January, but the break period can pose some safety challenges as well. So here are some tips.

If you are taking public transportation to the airport or other destinations late at night, think about sitting near the driver while travelling and putting in a Safe Ride request ahead of time if you need assistance getting to or back from a bus or Rapid stop to your residence.

If you are leaving campus, remember to lock your rooms, secure any valuables you aren’t taking with you, unplug anything that needs to be unplugged and clean out the fridge if necessary. There has been at least one case of an abandoned and unfrozen turkey requiring a Hazmat response over break.

If you are staying on campus over break, remember that, while the sudden feeling of having the place to yourself can be great, there are fewer eyes on campus, and eyes help deter crooks. Use the same precautions you would during the academic year and call the CWRU PD if you observe suspicious activity around your residence.

On the Beat will also hibernate until after break, so happy and safe holidays to everyone.

On the Beat is a weekly safety column written by Sergeant Jeffrey Daberko and Officer Mark (The Crossing Guard) Chavis of CWRU PD. We welcome questions, suggestions and gripes/groans/moans/complaints about campus life at policecolumn@case.edu.