Safety Guidelines for Thanksgiving Break

BY KELLY WAGNER

Miami University journalism student

As Thanksgiving is upon us, the city of Oxford is prepping students and reminding Oxford residents on how to keep their residences safe by providing safety and crime prevention tips.

Most Miami University students are packing their bags and leaving Oxford for Thanksgiving break, as are some year-round residents. According to John Jones, the Chief at Oxford Police Department, that is when theft is at an all time high.

"Students will leave and all these vacant houses are here during break and they become easy targets for burglaries," said Jones.

Jones suggests that students and residents leaving town sign up for a vacant house check.

"Officers will visit the house over break, make sure it's locked or that there was no break in... it's amazing the amount of vacant house checks we do with unlocked doors, lights, newspapers," said Jones.

It is also important to note that students should steer away from having mail delivered.

"Another big item, if you're having packages delivered, make sure you don't have packages over break. It is an easy target for package thieves," said Jones.

As listed on the City of Oxford's website, some of the safety tips include:

- Lock all doors and windows.

- Keep a light or two on.

- Do not leave valuable gifts out where someone can see it from the outside.

- Fill out the vacant House check form here.

The City of Oxford also has a 72-hour parking ordinance, so Jones advises students with cars to take that into consideration as well as not park in a snow route area.

The Associated Student Government at Miami University also sent out an email to all the students with safety tips. The group will also provide free safety devices that include alarms and light timers. To fill out the form for free safety devices, click here.

Photo: The city of Oxford encourages students leaving for Thanksgiving break to read the break safety tips. -- Photo contributed by CityofOxford.com