Stolen goods Thefts in the campus area have decreased in recent years, but students should still take precautions to prevent being victimized By Jessica Nail • Freelance Reporter According to the Eugene Police Depart ment, about 200 University student homes are broken into each year. While robberies are fairly sporadic, there are several steps that make a robbery less likely. While the Eugene burglary rate is up 0.8 per cent from 2002, thefts in homes around the University have decreased. In 2003, there were 181 reported burglaries on or around campus. That number decreased from 2002 by 31 re ports, according to EPD. "Usually burglars are looking for stuff that they can sell fast," EPD Public Information Offi cer Kerry Delf said. "Most robberies are drug re lated. The burglar wants to get in, get stuff he can sell and get out." In 2003, 20 of the reported crimes were solved. In the Eugene area last year, roughly $6,039,597 of property was stolen for reasons of robbery, burglary and theft, according to EPD. About 8 percent of the property was recovered and returned. "When my car got broken into and my CD player got stolen, I felt powerless, violated and really mad," pre-psychology major Lexi Meek said. "There was glass everywhere. I called the cops, and they didn't seem to care." f Some consider robbery a matter of disrespect. "You Oust everyone until something like that happens," senior Megan Melich said. "After that it is hard to trust anyone or leave your belong ings anywhere." According to EPD, fewer robberies happen in the South University area than in the West Uni versity area. Most robbers choose to go through screen doors or open windows and take almost anything they can grab. "Recording your serial numbers increases your chances of getting your things back," Delf said. "If you don't know the serial numbers, then police can't return your belongings even if they catch the thief." Every piece of electronic equipment is en crypted with a serial number. It is a good idea to write those numbers in a safe place — preferably not stored in a computer in case it too gets stolen. Also, keep a list of CDs and DVDs to give HOME SAFETY TIPS There are many ways that students can prevent robberies, such as is not wst$5dly feitsitile, h^nasn^er, tor students who are on a limited budget or are renting from a landlord. Here are some alternative safety methods; • Make sure to Jock windows and doors at night as well as when no one is home • When looking for a place to live, make sure the doors don’t have hinges on the outside • Invest in flood lifting - it is an inexpensive robbery deterrent • Look for doors that are solid hardwood or metal clad • Take notice of shrubs or bushes that someone could hide in • Don’t leave extra keys under planters formats • Don’t display expensive items such as electronics in a window • Start or join a neighborhood or apartment watch SOURCE: Eugene Police Department to second-hand stores and pawn shops. "Hie pawn shops can then keep an eye out for CDs that come in that may fit your description, and that may help us catch the burglar and get your property back," Delf said. Jessica Nail is a freelance reporter for the Emerald. KING KOIL FIRM SUPPORT TWIN SET $19900 FULL SET $269°° QUEEN SET s299°° 10-Year Warranty KING KOIL SUPER PLUSH TWIN SET $25900 FULL SET $29900 QUEEN SET $35900 KING SET $45900 10-Year Warranty KING KOIL PILLOW TOP TWIN SET $29900 FULL SET $35900 QUEEN SET $39900 KING SET s59900 10-Year Warranty ig in sad Bring i this for FREiF DELIVERY mmm jf AMERICAN 0 /0*&' MATTRESS 1 MANUFACTURING 4075 w. 11th *343-2690 I Monday - Saturday 9-6 • Sunday 11-5 [ IBEGflM DAILY EMERALD ja J Eugene Rentals Property Management Concepts Meeting all your needs tor Eugene Oregon Rentals .com Eugene Oregon Student Rentals Apartments for rent, houses for rent. Duplexes for rent Home | Students | View Rentals | Search | Rental Forms | Links | Owners/Investors | Contact Us .. Home Students View Rentals f Search Rental Forms Links Owners/Investors Contact Us Welcome to... EugeneRentals. com Your #1 source for Eugene, Oregon housing Looking for a Eugene, Oregon rental home? No more driving around looking for "For Rent'’ signs or guessing what a house, duplex, or apartment looks like from a short classified description. Now you can view a great selection of excellent rental homes at the convenience of your computer! .... more m Home | Students | View Rentals | Search | Rental Forms | Links | Owners/Investors | Contact Us To view these properties or for more info please call us at (541) 485-8220 or drop in at 236 East 13th Ave #1, Eugene, OR 97401