subject: Off Campus Home Security for Chapel Hill Students [print this page] Off Campus Home Security for Chapel Hill Students
Feeling safe and secure in your cozy college town? Think that your new peers and friends would never think to hurt you, or steal or damage your belongings? It may be time to get real about home security in a college town. Many people are surprised to find out that a recent survey of the most dangerous neighborhoods for property crime came up with a college town as the number one culprit, but it's unfortunately the truth. Why would anyone target a college town? For one, there are lots of students who are very inexperienced at living on their own, who are quite likely to forget to unlock the door, leave doors and windows ajar, or simply not worry about security at all. There are frequent visitors in student homes whether for studying or partying, and students living with many roommates can easily lose track of who is meant to be there, and who isn't. While shocking college and university crimes of late have focused on shootouts and massacres, the real silent threat that invades a student's home every single day in the United States is that of residential breaking and entering.
Is it surprising that the number one most dangerous neighborhood in the nation for property crime leaves residents with better than 100% chance of being robbed? Even if it isn't it should be. It may be more surprising when realizing that these rates are coming out of a college town. While the California zip code of this particular University may leave some students in faraway places like Chapel Hill feeling like they can kick back and relax, the truth is that home security must be a priority for anyone living on or near a college campus. Often, the rental you're living in is not particularly secure, and everything from window latches to door locks may be in a state of disrepair. As such, it's important to take matters into your own hands.
While installing a home alarm system on your Chapel Hill, North Carolina rental apartment may not be practical there are still steps to take that can improve your chances of getting through four or more years without being the victim of a property crime. Begin with deterrent techniques like leaving a light on in your bedroom at all times. If living with a roommate in close quarters, like sharing a bedroom, sit down and have a chat about what security measures you'd like to take together. When sharing a house or apartment, keep your belongings in your own space, and when possible lock the door. A small safe might not be a bad idea, especially one disguised as something else like a shaving cream can or tissue box. Check online for some clever options that provide great hiding spaces. Finally, be sure to use common sense when leaving your home, or even while there studying or sleeping and lock the doors and windows to keep outsiders out. Consider installing motion detector lighting on the exterior of your home, and above all, be vigilant of your own property! Locks and safes can be your best friend when it comes to staying safe in a shared living situation!
