When University junior Paul Kozik returned from class Monday afternoon, he discovered the screen outside his bedroom window was slashed and his wallet, cell phone and MP3 player
were gone.
And it all happened in broad daylight.
The thief almost made away with his Nintendo Wii, but abandoned it in a tangled mess on his bed.
Kozik’s case is just one of a string of burglaries that have plagued the West University area in the last few days. More than 15 homes were burglarized in the area last weekend alone, according to a Eugene Police Department news release. Many were the result of new residents leaving their doors open and unlocked.
But Kozik locked his door.
BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS EVERY STUDENT SHOULD KNOW? Keep doors and windows locked at all times. ? Make a list or keep a record of all valuable items. ? Mark all valuable property with your driver’s license or state identification number. Engravers are available on loan at local EPD stations or can be purchased at hardware stores. ? Never hide keys on property outside the house or apartment. ? Avoid leaving valuable items exposed anywhere. ? Arrange a time to receive a free EPD home security inspection by calling (541) 682-8186. ? Maintain accurate guest lists at parties, and pay attention to who enters your apartment during parties. ? Store ladders, tools and other outdoor items in a shed or garage. ? Arrange for a house-sitter if you are going out of town. |
“I lock my door compulsively,” he said, adding that the burglary caught him off-guard. “It isn’t like I am the shining beacon of expensive stuff.”
One of Kozik’s roommates, University junior Riley Clawson, was at the apartment when the burglary occurred, but didn’t hear or see the suspect.
“The window was slightly ajar in the middle of the afternoon with people everywhere,” said Clawson. “He was hidden in plain sight.”
Three of four students living in this particular apartment, which is in Alder Street Apartments and Quads, have been victims of property crimes within the last two weeks.
Sergeant Sam Kamkar, the supervisor of EPD’s Campus Unit, said students need to be more conscientious during rough economic times. “We know for sure that with the economy as bad as it is, it is going to affect the crime rate,” Kamkar said. “When times are tough, crimes are committed out of desperation.”
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