Theft on Nevis
[they could probably get the desk out the door, but it would take a bit of effort.]
“My loathings are simple: stupidity, oppression, crime, cruelty, soft music.”
~ Vladimir Nabokov
MUA students: please be aware that it is just as important to be careful about locking your doors and closing your windows and putting valuables out of sight on this island as it is at home.*
there have been at least 4 break-ins to students homes this semester with major electronic theft. Brandon and his roommates alone had almost $7000 worth of laptops and external hard drives and iPods and stuff stolen from their house last Friday. all it took was one person forgetting to completely close/latch one window.
i was extremely lucky. and i believe this photo is proof i learned a lesson the easy way.
a few tips:
- write down all of your serial numbers for everything and keep them in a safe place. the police will ask you for this information.
- if you have discovered a break-in at your house, call the police in your jurisdiction (ie: Newcastle vs. Cottonground vs. Charlestown) immediately.
- then call the school.
- depending on how much stuff you have down here and how much it is all worth, it might be smart to consider adding your valuables to your parents home insurance.
- “hide” valuables if you are away from home for an evening. be especially aware of block party nights and during the day when you are in class. you better believe the people interested in your house know the MUA class/party schedule.
[EDIT] updated tips on improving home security from Dean T:
1) Change or re-key locks
2) Nail top windows shut
3) Put sash locks on bottom window
4) Always lock doors and windows before leaing house
5) Use a door jam
6) Leave a radio or TV on when you go out for the evening
7) Be cautious of who you let into your house
8) Get a dog (if the landlord permits).
9) Leave some lights on, especially outdoor lights at night
this many student break-ins in such a short time was unheard of even a year ago. be smart and stay safe.
————
*okay, okay. i’m sure some people come from super small towns where you don’t even have to lock your front door. but i’m Canadian and i lock my door and keep valuables out of sight at home — no matter what Michael Moore says.
September 13th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Lock your stuff down tight. The chain and lock to the desk was my idea BTW : ) However, it really can make studying tough without a computer or just the fact of having something taken from you in the back of your mind. This has been a tough week in terms of getting going for me and most of it was because of slight depression and feeling violated in some ways. It just sucks and word to the wise ALWAYS put your pics on your computer or hard drive asap because you never know when your digital camera is going to go bye bye. Thanks for another great post Jen!!
: )
GO BIG RED!!!
GO RIDERS!!!
September 13th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
me thinks brandon needs a blog!
September 13th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I second that. Jen, make brandon a blog please!
September 14th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Aside from serial numbers being documented, you should take photographs and or video of all valuables detailing anything significant including serial numbers, front side bottom views and so on. Include any documentation like passports, visa’s, credit cards, drivers licenses etc. Doesnt hurt to take some general video or images of the house/apartment too with the items in their native spots. Helps you see what is missing too as some things might not be noticed at first. Burn a copy of the video or copy contents of the memory card on the camera and upload it somewhere. Just send it to your Gmail or hotmail or flickr or photobucket etc. (keep in mind that if you upload it somewhere accessible to others make the content private) Failing that, store it off site.
Won’t get the stuff back if you lose it, but for insurance reasons it’s certainly helpful.
And that’s some heavy iChain there on the Mac :)
September 14th, 2008 at 8:51 am
We are going to make one at some point when we get free time. However, it isn’t going to be of the same variety as hers : P
September 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am
BCWB: will it have a great big white “OU” on a red background?
September 14th, 2008 at 11:15 am
LOL Kev Kev Kev (shaking my head)….over my dead body possibly : )
September 14th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
How are the thieves selling on so much gear on such a small island? The Police must have some idea of who the fencers are.
Have you password-protected your computer now?
PS. Have you given up on cycling or has the bike been stolen also?
November 13th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
[...] i have said it before and i will continue saying it until my voice is hoarse: Nevis is a wonderfully friendly and safe place to live, but… … be sure to take the same safety precautions — both with your home security and personal being at night — that you would in any city back home in North America. [...]