The Union-Recorder
MILLEDGEVILLE —
This weekend, more than 6,000 students will make their way to Milledgeville, on the eve of the start of classes at Georgia College & State University. While some are returning students, many of them are new to the area.
With recent discussion this week regarding break-ins and thefts in the downtown area, everyone, particularly students and those who may not be as familiar with the area, should remember that taking a few additional precautions can help stave off crime and issues. While the recent rash of break-ins may not indicate an ongoing, widely prevalent issue, they should be at least a cause for some concern.
According to the Milledgeville Police, 112 burglaries have occurred in the city since the start of the year, and while just 30 percent have occurred among college students, these crimes typically see an increase when students return after summer break, according to police.
Community members play a vital role in helping to prevent crime. Simple steps that may seem redundant such as locking doors, becoming more aware of your surroundings especially late at night, not leaving extra keys in obvious locations and knowing your neighbors can make a difference. Don't leave valuables lying out where they can be viewed from a window. Police contend it is difficult to pinpoint crime in neighborhoods without community involvement. Community members must be on guard by being the eyes and ears for local law enforcement.
Students must know that if they detect suspicious individuals or activities, they can contact Georgia College & State University Public Safety, 24 hours a day, either in person or by telephone at (478) 445-4400. They can also push one of the many emergency call buttons strategically located around campus. We hope you will never find that necessary, but that is why they are there. Others may contact the Milledgeville Police Department to report suspicious activity at (478) 414-4000, or anyone with any information on burglaries in the area is asked to call the MPD’s anonymous tip line at (478) 414-4413.
The risk of being burglarized can be greatly reduced by taking simple steps to make your home more difficult to enter and less enticing to would-be burglars.
Everyone must be vigilant in the effort to combat break-ins and thefts to make things safer for the entire community.
