Safe over break: Police offer tips to protect students and belongings during the holidays

Each year, local police agencies report a spike in burglaries around holiday breaks, with rentals often the target of break-ins and burglaries. However, officials want to remind students that they can help prevent this with some quick and easy precautions.

Even though crime rates have dropped over the last few years, according to City of Binghamton officials, students should be aware of the overall increase in crime that police see during academic calendar breaks, such as Thanksgiving and Winter break.

During the 2024 holiday break season, from mid-November to mid-January, dozens of student rental burglaries were reported to the Binghamton Police Department. Thousands of dollars’ worth of property was taken from homes.

University Police and Binghamton Police have many safety suggestions for students living on and off campus. “Take your PlayStation, your laptop, your phone, any sort of money-valuable jewelry that you have,” said Binghamton University Police Investigator Christopher Meyn. “As long as it’s not overburdening you on your trip home, take it with you – because you never know.”

According to the 2025 Police Crime Map, there were 163 burglaries within the City of Binghamton from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30. Whether you’re living in an off-campus apartment or a rental house, it is essential to secure your living space at all times.

In 2024, there were 10 burglaries within residence halls on campus. For personal room safety, students should communicate and coordinate with their roommates.

“I can’t tell you the number of times we walked through the dorms and just pulled doors shut behind us,” Meyn said. “Even at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., because people didn’t shut their suite doors.”

Police said it is important to make sure to know who and what is going on around you, no matter where you are. A majority of people tend to look at their phones or listen to music while walking.

“Don’t immerse yourself in your devices so much that you don’t know what’s going on around you,” said Captain Daniel M. Flanders at the Binghamton Police Department. “Be prepared to contact someone, if need be.”

Off-campus safety tips

• Utilize security cameras
• Lock all entrance point doors at all times
• Lock your personal door while sleeping
• Close and lock all windows and doors when leaving for an extended period of time; remove A/C units if you have them
• Take all valuable items home over breaks
• Call BPD for property checks while on break at 607-723-5321; provide your name, address and dates you will be gone

On-campus safety tips

• Lock dorm and/or suite doors
• Take all valuable items home over breaks
• Don’t leave expensive or valuable items unattended
• Be prompt with laundry, especially if washing expensive items

General safety tips

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Lock your vehicle at all times; remove anything from a car in sight that could be potentially valuable (e.g., bags, spare change, wallets)
• Communicate with roommates and friends when needed — when you’re leaving, where you’re going, etc.
• Utilize the SafeBing mobile app: Safe Ride access, University Police quick contact and location sharing services
• In a dangerous situation, get yourself to safety first; be able to call the proper authorities for those who need it