Eugene (KMTR) - Eugene police are reaching out to University of Oregon students in the hope of cutting down on burglaries and thefts during the holidays.
Increasing crime during the holidays is an ongoing problem in the Kinsrow and Commons area neighborhood near Autzen Stadium. Police say a majority of the people who live there are students who usually take off for the long winter break.
"It's four days of us really trying to come out and make an impact and get people to harden their targets, so it's not so inviting for the folks that want to steal," said police Sgt. Lisa Barrong.
Since the beginning of this year, there has been an almost 9% spike in burglaries in the Kinsrow area.
A mobile police station has been set up in the area to talk to residents about crime prevention. Police are also handing out fliers and going door to door spread their message.
Crime prevention experts offer these tips:
- Take all valuables with you or find someone to watch your home while you're gone.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Don't leave anything in your car.
- Make a list of serial numbers, or engrave your equipment with your driver's license number. That will make it easier to identify items if they're stolen.
