With books closing and doors slamming, many students prepare to depart from MSU for their homes with few thoughts of burglary, fire or tragedy to where they reside during the academic semester.

“Theft is not something I would really think about,” said Tara Relyea, an accounting sophomore. “I should, especially seeing as our landlord has the key and if he needs to fix anything. He or several people can come in at any time.”

Although there is no foolproof method to avoiding burglary, there are ways for residents to protect their homes when away for extended periods.

“A lot of the burglaries that happen over the holidays are committed because they have the opportunity,” East Lansing police Capt. Juli Liebler said. “If you can avoid giving them the opportunity, you may be able to avoid the crime.

“Anything that can minimize your chances is something you should do.”

Students living off campus in houses like zoology junior Matt Caterino, have experienced theft already this semester.

“We have seen (theft) more and more lately,” Caterino said. “We have had things lifted out of our house, but luckily it has been nothing we couldn’t live without.”

Caterino said the items were most likely taken during the day when no one was home.

As Relyea and her roommate prepare to go home, they have taken some precautions.

“We are not taking anything big home because it’s hard and only two girls live here,” she said. “We will make sure to lock the windows and doors especially because we live on the first floor.”

Liebler suggested several precautions for people to take to prevent burglary.

“First, make sure to lock everything up and keep valuables out of sight,” she said. “If it’s portable, take it home.”

In addition to locking the front door, Liebler also said it is a good idea to lock individual doors to bedrooms.

“Anything that can be locked up should be,” she said.