During academic breaks, Public Safety offers its Vacant House Watch program to students residing in the near off-campus neighborhood. Through the program, students can register their residences with Public Safety prior to leaving campus for the winter break. During the break, Public Safety officers monitor vacant residences during their routine patrols of the neighborhood. The information provided to Public Safety remains strictly confidential.
Students can fill out and print our online Vacant House Watch form
and return completed forms to the Public Safety office, located in the 16th Street Parking Structure prior to leaving their campus residence.
Students concerned about leaving their vehicles unattended can obtain free on-campus parking during the winter break. Student can register vehicles and obtain a parking pass with Parking Services after their last final exam. Additional information can be obtained from Parking Services at 288-6911.
"We've experienced a great amount of success with this program over the years," said Ruth Peterson, preventive services sergeant. "Providing simple home security suggestions to residents, along with utilizing patrolling officers to monitor the off-campus residential area has proven successful in keeping the neighborhood secure during the time so many students are away from campus enjoying time off with family and friends."
Public Safety recommends engraving valuable personal property as a deterrent against theft, as well as a means for prompt recovery when lost or stolen items are found. Therefore, Public Safety participates in Operation ID in partnership with police departments nationwide. Community outreach officers are available to come to residence halls or apartment buildings to assist residents in engraving their valuables. Engravers and corresponding materials are also available to be checked out to students and staff wishing to engrave their own valuables.