Safety 101: 10 tips parents need to know to keep students' things safe on campus

(ARA) - While parents have enough to worry about when sending their son or daughter off to college, the safety of their child's "stuff" shouldn't be one of them. However, since theft continues to be one of the most common crimes on American college campuses, parents should - and can - reduce the chances of their students becoming victims by following these campus safety tips.

1. Back-up the backpack

While backpacks are a popular and practical tool for carrying books and supplies, they're also an easy target for theft due to their multiple, simple points of entry. Help your student deter theft with a sporty and secure backpack lock, such as Master Lock's 1548 carabineer lock. Students should also be mindful to keep their backpack and other valuables with them at all times, whether in the classroom, library or cafeteria.

2. Engrave valuables

Help your student engrave or permanently mark his or her valuables with your student's first initial and last name. Permanently marking items makes them more difficult to pawn, easier to recognize as stolen and easier to identify and reclaim.

3. Keep personal information personal

Limit the personal information your student shares on his or her valuables, front door, mailbox, key chain, backpack and other items. Your student should not share his or her address or complete name in order to avoid additional risk if an item is stolen or misplaced, or if your student's living space is violated.

4. Keep money safe

Before sending college kids out on their own, teach them how to responsibly use a debit or credit card to allow them to carry less cash. Remember, while most credit cards only hold the card-holder liable for the first $50, cash can't be replaced. When storing money and other small valuables in high-traffic areas, such as dorms and apartments, students should always lock them up in a cash or document boxes made of durable steel.

5. Lock personal items in lockers

Some things never change - every student should be equipped with a good, old-fashioned padlock to keep his or her belongings locked safely in a locker whenever possible, whether at the gym or in the classroom. What has changed is the variety of padlocks now available, including built-in dial combination locks, set-your-own password locks and key-operated locker locks.

6. Safeguard bikes

Teach students to always lock up their bikes, regardless of how long they plan to leave the bike unattended. Invest in a quality bike lock - u-bars offer the highest security - and show your student how to lock his or her bike through both the wheels and frame and to secure it to an immovable object.

7. Always lock doors and windows

Teach students to always lock their doors and windows to prevent unwanted entry, no matter how long they will be away, and even when they're inside the room studying or sleeping. Students living in off-campus housing with sliding patio doors should invest in a hinged security bar, such as Master Lock's 265 security bar.

8. Travel safely

If your student is flying, invest in a TSA-accepted locking device - the one lock airport screeners won't cut. These locks allow TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage without damaging the lock. Students should secure both their checked luggage and carry-on bags with a TSA-approved locking closure.

9. Insure your student's valuables

Check to see if your homeowners insurance covers your student's belongings while they reside in either on- or off-campus housing. If not, consult with an insurance agent to determine what additional coverage is necessary.

10. Be aware and prepared, not scared

While it's a parent's job to be overprotective, don't scare your student into thinking college is a completely unsafe atmosphere. Do teach them to be aware of their surroundings - walk with confidence and pay attention to what's going on around them. Preparation and awareness are the keys to safety in any situation.

"Parents can rest easier once their students depart by providing them with the tools and products they need to keep themselves and their personal belongings safe," says Rebecca Smith, vice president of marketing for Master Lock.

For more information, visit www.masterlock.com to find a variety of college security solutions.

Courtesy of ARAcontent