Police, UF warn students of rash of burglaries

Police and the University of Florida are issuing warnings aimed at college students living off-campus, hoping they will be alert to the rash of burglaries in which locked doors to homes and apartments have been kicked in.

A message about the rash of burglaries in the city will be going out this week via a UF listserv that reaches about 39,000 students, said Gainesville Police spokeswoman Officer Summer Hallett and UF Dean of Off-Campus Life Nora Kilroy.

Both police and the university want to make sure students are aware of the burglaries since many have occurred in student apartment complexes. Officials also are worried that burglars could target the homes of students who leave Gainesville for the holidays.

The goal isn't to scare students but to make them aware of the problem so they can take precautions, Kilroy said.

Police are investigating at least 21 cases where thieves have kicked in locked doors of homes in northwest and southwest Gainesville. Most of the cases occurred earlier this month.

No residents were at the homes when the break-ins occurred. The burglaries took place on different days and at different times throughout the week. Stolen goods have ranged from electronics to clothing and jewelry.

Police are asking students to take steps to protect their belongings and homes if they leave town for several weeks during the holidays. Officers have suggested residents ask friends to check on their homes and get timers to activate lights inside the home so it appears someone is there.

Kilroy said some students may not be going home for the holidays because of the difficult economy, which may help reduce the number of homes that thieves could target.

Report any suspicious activity immediately, police said. Some neighbors near the homes already hit later told officers they thought someone might be in the residence but didn't want to report it. Officers stressed callers could remain anonymous.

Kilroy suggested residents shouldn't advertise they'll be out of town by posting these messages on their Facebook or MySpace accounts where not only friends but thieves could see it.