Protect Yourselves

Over the past few months a highly disturbing trend has arisen at PSU concerning the theft of laptop computers on and off campus. The dilemma has reached an epidemic status, and everyone in the area should consider themselves in a state of high alert. The targets of these robberies have been highly inconsistent and random, which means no students should consider themselves exempt from these rampant crimes. Perhaps most unsettling, though, is the fact that the several of the apartments subject to invasion have been locked. Many of the robberies have also occurred in broad daylight. While the matter has not garnered much attention outside of those victimized, it is still imperative that the issue be brought to the forefront. At this stage, educating people and raising awareness is of the utmost importance because there is little the authorities can do once the merchandise has been successfully removed. While town and campus police do everything in their power to catch criminals and protect residents, it is up to the students to act accordingly in order to diminish the chances of having any of their belongings stolen.Students should always remember to lock all doors, as this is presumably the safest way to thwart any would-be assailants. Closing any blinds and keeping a few lights on before going to bed is also an important way to protect your belongings. In addition, be wary of the routines and habits of all roommates. Have discussions with each other about class and work schedules and make sure everyone has the proper keys. If nobody is supposed to be entering or leaving the apartment at certain times, this may help guard against any unwanted intruders going unnoticed. With students doing their part to prevent future attacks, it is then up to Plymouth State University to follow suit and analyze and address possible areas of concern. One deficiency that has been noticed is the current lock system on the doors of the White Mountain Student Apartments. These rounded door knobs are very out-of-date and uncomplicated, consisting of a simple metal bar that goes into a shallow hole in the door frame. There is also a considerable amount of give when turning the door knob and pushing in and out of the door when locked. A credit card or any other slim object can effortlessly be worked around the lock bar, as it is inside the knob itself where the locking takes place. The metal bar has no resistance, so once it is manipulated from the hole, the door opens.In no way are we suggesting that the University should be held responsible for any lost merchandise, but it is necessary to suggest that stronger defense measures be taken in order to address these areas of concern. Deadbolt locks should be installed, at the very least, on all student apartment doors if not on all campus residences. Deadbolts would vastly improve the security of all students, and hopefully put an end to the burglaries that have afflicted the school. Though the initial purchasing and installation expenses would add up quick, it would spare the cost of people feeling worried and anxious about the safety of not only their belongings, but themselves.