While students leave Blacksburg for the holiday, crime does not. Property is left more susceptible to burglary if proper precautions are not taken. Blacksburg police officer Sgt. Nathan O'Dell said burglaries of student property do rise during long holidays.
"Our local criminals do know when students leave," O'Dell said. "We do see an increase in reporting of burglary or robbery during extended breaks."
However, Blacksburg police also offer ways to deter criminals from damaging students' property while they are away.
One such way is the Vacation House Check program.
O'Dell said residents can call and leave their address and an emergency contact number and police will check on their property. The department will carry out two checks per week.
The Vacation House Check program provides individual attention to properties, but Blacksburg police will also patrol major apartment complexes in an attempt to deter holiday crime.
"We'll put officers in unmarked vehicles," O'Dell said. "They'll be doing nothing but going around, checking on the larger apartment complexes around the area."
O'Dell said residents can take simple precautions to lessen the likelihood of coming back to a burglarized apartment.
"We recommend taking time to lock your doors," O'Dell said. "Lock your windows."
O'Dell said windows are a frequently overlooked mode of entry for criminals. He also recommended wedging windows shut, even after locking them.