Thefts and other crimes typically increase over the winter holidays. College campuses, where many students leave for breaks, present particular concerns—both for those who go home and leave their possessions behind and for those who stay while many others are gone.
To help community members keep safe, George Washington Today spoke with GW Police Chief Kevin Hay about preventing crime during the holiday season.
Q: What is the GW Police Department doing to keep the campus safe over the holidays?
A: GWPD will remain on patrol 24/7 regardless of the weather or the time of day. We are here to serve you and keep our campus as safe as possible. We count on GW community members to be our eyes and ears, to help us achieve our mission. Please don't hesitate to report suspicious people or activity. Call GWPD at 202-994-6111 or 202-994-6110 for non-emergency situations.
Q: How can students who are going home for the holidays safeguard their rooms or apartments on campus?
A: Students preparing to leave campus for Thanksgiving or winter break should make sure to take valuables home, including laptops, cash, jewelry and electronics. Remember to double check that doors and windows are locked before leaving. Also, students may want to store any larger items left behind either in a closet, under a bed or in a locked trunk.
Q: What should students staying on campus over holiday breaks be aware of?
A: Students staying on campus should pay attention to suspicious people in buildings and call the GW Police Department to report unusual activity or individuals. Do not let others “tailgate” or follow you into your residence hall. Remember to use the 4-Ride Safety Escort Service (202-994-RIDE) rather than walk alone at night.
Q: What safety precautions should faculty and staff take if working over the holidays?
A: Remember to ensure that all doors are securely closed behind you when entering or exiting your office and building if you are working before or after normal working hours or on weekends when buildings are less occupied and you are more likely to be alone in your office or the building. You may want to consider using a “buddy system” or notifying your supervisor or another colleague when you will be in the office during other than normal working hours.
If you observe a suspicious person in your building or office, immediately call GWPD. Do not confront the person or let him or her into locked buildings or offices.