This weekend, some students will pack their bags and head for warmer weather, causing crime rates around DeKalb to decrease. However, police are wary of would-be robbers.

“Most years we see a decrease in overall crime,” said Cmdr. Jason Leverton. “More people leave DeKalb than come here for spring break, so there are more burglaries.”

Mayor Kris Povlsen said this is because there are fewer people left in DeKalb.

To prevent the burglaries from happening, the DeKalb Police Department will have prevention patrols watching the housing areas around the campus to provide a visible deterrent, Leverton said.

“Of course we will have NIU Police involved as well,” Leverton said.

Darren Mitchell, acting NIU chief of police, said the NIU Police have been working in collaboration with the DeKalb Police to employ various tactics to help prevent burglaries and other crimes that have the potential to become a problem.

“I hope everybody is safe and able to come back to finish out the semester,” Povlsen said. “Students are an important part of our community and we want them to come back safe.”

Leverton suggested putting lights on a timer or leaving one or two on to make it look like someone is present in a residence. He also suggested leaving a radio or television set on.

“Make it look like someone is there so it’s not obvious,” Leverton said. “Don’t make it so this place is quiet and dark and empty.”

The way to prevent crime is education, Mitchell said.

“If you go on vacation, make sure the doors are locked, windows are locked and your belongings are locked up,” Mitchell said. “Don’t tell people through Facebook or social media that you’ll be out of town.”

Mitchell said it only takes simple things to protect homes and valuables from would-be criminals, and the citizen has the most control over their protection.

Leverton said doing simple things can protect from home invasion and help out the police.