In a few short weeks, Santa will be double-checking his list to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.

Most law enforcement officials know that the naughty list always grows in December.

BYU-Idaho police officer Sgt. Steve Bunnnell said crime increases by 34 percent nationwide during the holiday season.

“This is the time of year when criminals get desperate,” said Capt. Randy Lewis of the Rexburg Police.  “You need to be conscience of your surroundings and have a good sense of what’s going on around your area.”

Students also need to protect themselves from those they may not suspect to be criminals, such as roommates.

Amy Jeffries, a senior from Draper, Utah, had a roommate steal from her. 

“Now I set down my rules with my roommates,” said Jeffries.  Lewis suggests apartments owners need to take more of an active role in keeping tenants safe.

“Apartments should have surveillance cameras in hallways and parking lots running 24 hours a day,” he said.

Lewis and other law enforcement officials want students to be safe.

“I would like to see us all have good holidays, not ruined by a tragic event that was preventable,” Lewis said.