Although Rexburg is a relatively safe area, crimes still happen occasionally. Knowing certain safety precautions can protect students and their apartments from becoming the victims of criminal activity.
“Theft is the biggest problem on and off campus,” Cpl. Billy Plank of the Campus Police Department said. Plank believes the reason for this is that “theft is a crime of opportunity. People see something they want and can’t overcome the temptation to take it.”
According to Plank, there are a few ways to decrease the likelihood of someone taking off with valuables. It is important to never let anything of value sit in an unoccupied area, whether it is in an apartment living room or on a table in the McKay Library.
“Always keep track of your valuables,” Plank said.
It is also important to always lock your door. An open door is an open opportunity for a thief.
Last spring in Rexburg, at least five apartment complexes were the victims of theft because the tenants chose not to lock their doors.
According to Plank, the thief would strategically check to see which doors were unlocked. He would enter the unlocked apartments when he knew the occupants were away and would then proceed to take cash from the unsuspecting victims.
Plank also offered additional suggestions to keep students safe. One mistake that is made all too often, he said, is that students often yell “Come in” without checking to see who is on their doorstep.
With this casual attitude, students are often placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Similarly, students should never give their apartment keys to anyone, Plank said.
This creates the opportunity for theft and compromises the safety of the student’s apartment.
Besides offering safety tips, Campus Police, a division of the Rexburg City Police Department, offer an “escort service” for students.
Students that are stuck on campus after dark can call Ext. 3000 from any phone and request a police escort, free of charge.
With the combination of officers like Billy Plank and students’ wise decisions, Rexburg will be a safer place to live in.
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