Editorial: Personal safety necessary in a very public UConn

In light of recent heightened campus security alerts, it is sometimes easy to forget the activity that occurs beyond the perimeters of UConn. While it is comforting to believe that everyone in the UConn "bubble" has good intentions, the fact of the matter is that this is not always the case. At a school with more than 16,000 undergraduates, students must take responsibility for their own personal safety.

Concerning dorm life and apartments, although it may be a hassle to take your key with you to the bathroom or when you are doing a load of laundry, doing so will prevent unwanted visitors from wandering into your room. Though it goes without saying, always remember to lock your door at night, especially if you are leaving and do not plan on returning later. For those residents who live on the first floor, keeping your windows shut and locked at night is especially important, since being closer to the ground allows for better accessibility from the outside. Also, be mindful of loiterers who are hanging around outside your building, as they may be waiting for a chance to come in when you leave. Furthermore, closing your blinds at night or when you are not in the room will prevent people from noticing if you have left.

Whether you are hosting a small party or your roommate's cousin from Milwaukee is visiting for the weekend, be smart and do not leave excessive amounts of cash, credit cards, jewelry or other valuables in plain view. Stow important items away and out of sight or even invest in a small safety box with a lock.

In terms of car safety, keep doors locked and windows up at all times when parked. Leaving your iPod on the passenger seat is like an invitation for someone to smash in your window, so either take valuables with you or place them under your seat or in the glove compartment. In addition, only park in designated campus parking lots and try to park in well-lit areas.

Ultimately, remember that UConn is a large public university, which allows anyone onto the campus whether they are invited or not. It is difficult to distinguish residents from visitors, and while this lenient security system may have its advantages at times, it also poses a safety problem. If you haven't already, be sure to register your cell phone to the text message alert service and always report suspicious activity. By taking action now, you can deny someone the opportunity to potentially harm you later.