Windsor Police Service warns of break-ins around UofW
By Scott Robinson
Special to The Lance
March 4, 2009
 During the spring and fall, when windows are left open for fresh air or to cut down on bills, thieves are on the prowl. This is their opportunity to steal laptops, monitors, MP3 players, cash and any other item that is easy to carry and easy to sell. The majority of the time this is occurring when the residents are sleeping.
Picture the scenario of living in a house with two or three other roommates. You hear a noise in the middle of the night and believe it is a roommate up for water or coming home late. You quickly fall back asleep and in the morning wake realizing someone had gained access to your home through an open window.
Over the past four years, the Windsor Police has been involved with dozens of break-ins in the area of the University of Windsor and born witness to the disbelief, shock and victimization of students.
Imagine the horror of the loss of a computer containing a semester of notes and papers—not to mention the photos, personal information and iTune downloads.
Several steps can be taken to protect yourself and roommates from a break-in:
1. Basement and ground floor windows should not be left open while residents are not home or sleeping
2. Basement and ground floor sliding windows should have a piece of broom handle or hockey stick wedged in the window track
3. Leave exterior lights on or request the landlord to install motion-detecting lights
4. If awoken during the night by a suspicious sound, turn on a light and say, “I am calling 911” (offenders will avoid contact at all costs).
During the summer break, winter break and reading weeks, bring all valuables with you and have friends or your landlord regularly check the exterior of the residence.
Check with your parents’ insurance companies to see if your belongings are covered while you are away at school. Renters insurance is available at reasonable rates.
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