We are closing in on Thanksgiving break, which is good news for anyone who is not a turkey. This should be a chance to take a break from academics, go home, reconnect with family, wash those socks that have been sitting in the corner since Labor Day, and eat entirely too much food while watching the Detroit Lions lose on Thanksgiving for the 42nd consecutive year.

If your plans include staying on campus, I believe Panera serves a mean turkey sandwich and you’re welcome to swing by the police station and sing Thanksgiving carols with us.

The holiday period brings some safety and security challenges as well, and students should be mindful of a few tips so that everyone can stay safe.

If you are staying on campus during Thanksgiving or winter break, remember that there will be many fewer people on campus. This is great for finding a parking space, but it also means there are fewer eyes around to observe suspicious activity or keep an eye on each other.

Call 368-3333 if you need help moving around campus safely, especially after dark. This means after lunch this time of year.

If you are leaving town, lock your room and secure your valuables, especially if you are going to be gone for several weeks.

Think about taking especially valuable items home with you. Put valuable items in the trunk if you are leaving the car behind.

Many of you will be using public transport like the Rapid Transit Authority (RTA) to reach locations like the airport. While public transit is generally safe, think about sitting up front near the driver, especially if you are traveling late at night or very early in the morning.

There are pull cords on the train and in buses that can be used to get the driver’s attention, if needed. And be nice to our RTA drivers. They have had a tough year. When returning, you can call ahead for services like Safe Ride to help get you from the Rapid stop back to your residence.

Have a good and safe Thanksgiving break.

CWRU Police Blotter 11/5/12 to 11/12/12

Nov. 8 – Unlocked automobile taken, motor vehicle theft, Bellflower Road

Nov. 11 – Phone taken from locker, petty theft, Veale Center

Nov. 12 – Two males arrested during robbery-in-progress incident, robbery, outside Leutner Commons

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from CWRU PD!

Contact On the Beat at policecolumn@case.edu