Campus News - Spartan Daily

December 08, 2004

UPD warns of increasing holiday crime
Campus police prepare to guard campus during winter break
By Amaya Wiegert
Daily Staff Writer
December 08, 2004

As the holidays creep closer, many people will be hustling and bustling to finish their shopping. Some may even travel out of town to visit families.

But with the holiday season and its commerce and travel, also comes a rise in crime.

Chief Andre Barnes of San Jose State University's University Police Department said theft and property crimes, such as petty theft, burglaries and fraud, tend to increase this time of year.

" A lot of businesses hire temporary workers just for the holiday season," Barnes said. "These aren't people they do thorough background checks on."

Barnes said temporary workers can take advantage of their situation and take down a customer's credit card number for future use.

" Make sure to check your credit card statement after you make your purchases to make sure no additional purchases have been added," Barnes said.

Those who live on campus at SJSU may be curious of whether someone monitors the residence halls while they are away.

Barnes said that the department recognizes a lot of buildings will be empty over the holidays.

" We'll be paying particular attention to buildings and dorms where we have an absence of people," Barnes said.

Anna Naufahu, a nursing freshman major who lives in the residence halls on campus and will be going out of town for Christmas, said she hadn't thought about the fact no one will be around.

" I'm taking my valuables with me," Naufahu said.

Though campus police operate year-round with the same staff, Barnes said the staff would perform more security checks during the holidays than they would other times of the year.

He said campus police officers are advised to be aware of certain suspicious observances, such as open windows, but they do not have a quota on checking up on buildings on campus.

" It all depends on calls (for) service," Barnes said.

Barnes said he wanted to reassure those living on campus that campus police do care about them while they're away from their residencies.

" Make sure any kinds of property are secured properly when (you) travel," Barnes said.

" Or if you're traveling out of state, maybe wait until you get there to do some shopping."
Christine Canepa, a graduate student in fine arts, said she would only be traveling to Santa Cruz for the holidays and therefore wasn't worried about leaving her home.
Nonetheless, when traveling, Barnes urged people to use security alarms or locks for their homes. In addition, he said it was good to have someone watching the house as often as possible.
As for being cautious while shopping, Canepa said she doesn't need to worry.
" I'm making all of my Christmas presents," Canepa said.
Other useful tips for the holidays include being especially aware of one's surroundings and avoiding putting oneself in a position where robbers can take advantage, Barnes said.
For example, when hands are full of bags while out shopping, Barnes said there is more opportunity for a potential pickpocket to steal a purse or wallet.
Similarly, Barnes said if one is carrying a lot of cash around, it's best not to openly display that while paying for your purchases.
Credit cards should be kept close by and buyers should make sure they are returned to them upon purchase, Barnes said.
Aries Wu, a senior computer science major, said his mode of safety while shopping is to wait until the line at a store is empty before purchasing something.
Dena Der, a senior business management major, said she keeps her purse nearby to make sure no one pickpockets her.
" (I'll) make sure my (car) doors are locked or roll up my windows," Der said.
Reena Gill, a junior business finance major, who said she was going to Reno for the holidays, said if she is going to a party, she tries not to take a big wallet or purse with her in case she forgets it.
She also said she tries not to walk by herself.
" I have usually someone with me so in case somebody might come up to me," Gill said.
Rodrigo Baluyot, a sophomore nursing major, avoids confrontation with people altogether and said he does his holiday shopping online.
Baluyot said he doesn't do anything out of the ordinary to keep himself and his belongings safe.
" I've never been in that kind of a case where I've had anything stolen or lost something," Baluyot said.
" I'm pretty careless."