Thievery is running rampant at NIU, so think twice before you leave your belongings behind or door unlocked.

Thanksgiving break alone, one fraternity house was cleaned out of most of its valuable including stereos, televisions and computers. Burglars also broke into apartment buildings and made off with thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

And a few weeks ago, Macintosh computer systems were stolen from university buildings.

The holiday season is the time of year thieves wait for at NIU. People are careless and don’t think twice about leaving their valuables behind when they go home to visit Mom and Dan. And others don’t consider locking their dorm room when visiting a friend down the hall.

But these are the times when thieves take advantage of holiday-struck students and are easily able to make off with your belongings.

With the numerous stereos and computers owned by students, everyone needs to take some extra steps to protect themselves from thieves and burglars.

As much of a hassle as it might be, people planning to leave town over the holiday break should pack up their televisions and stereos and take them home. Or if this isn’t possible, people should contact the police department and ask for some tips on how to protect their things.

Few students will be here over the holiday break – and burglars know this – so don’t just hand them your possessions by not thinking ahead.