The Department of Public Safety encourages students living in off-campus housing to take the following steps to reduce the risk of home burglary this semester. If you are renting, these are things you should discuss with your landlord:

1. Check that your apartment windows are equipped with functional locks. First level windows are often used as a point of entry for criminals. Always secure these windows before leaving your home, day or night. If you are leaving for an extended period of time (vacation, spring break, etc.) remove air conditioners from first level windows to prevent access to residence.
2. Register your property with us! Operation Identification is a nationally recognized property identification program open to all members of the Brown University community. As a Crime Prevention Program, its goal is to deter the thefts and aid in the recovery of stolen property. This is accomplished by applying decals to mark valuable property and tracking important identifying information about such property. Marked items are difficult for a thief to resell, and these items can be traced to the rightful owner.
3. Ensure that your individual apartment door(s) is equipped with a sturdy, functional locking system (preferably with a deadbolt) and always keep your door(s) locked. Be sure that both the keys and locks have been changed upon first moving in.
4. Check that the exterior of the house is well lit and that any hedges around the perimeter are not overgrown. Interior lighting at night is important too. Invest in light timers to keep your home lit at night. Good lighting is a great deterrent!
5. Network with other residents and agree to keep the main, front door secured at all times. Unlocked doors to apartment buildings are an ongoing problem contributing to the risk of theft from residences. Secured doors decrease the risk of theft.

Please contact the Department of Public Safety's Crime Prevention Unit with questions or concerns regarding residential safety at (401) 863-1438.