Hey, Could You Watch My Stuff?

You're probably out of Finals by now and maybe even off campus for a while. If  not and you are still in Finals this is a Planet College reminder about "your stuff".  During finals students basically occupy the library24/7.  Sleeping bags, microwaves and tiny tvs clutter some of the areas usually reserved for students actually studying.  College librarians, tolerant and patient people that they are, usually over look this behavior during finals week despite the neatly lettered signs which clearly prohibit 'squatting".

If you have been or are a finals week squatter you have no doubt asked some other student or had another student ask you, "Hey would you watch my stuff?"  This while they or you run to the rest room for the break that consuming buckets of coffee demands.

Here's the warning.  It is about your stuff.  College campuses attract large amounts of people, usually young but not always  students.  Some of these non-students, aware that students are friendly and tolerant,  congregate on campuses for the opportunities that a large group of tolerant young people present. They are not on campus to learn. They are on campus to steal.

So when you find that rest room run is irresistible and you are tempted to ask anyone with a back pack, "Hey, could you watch my stuff?" make sure you actually know them.  Rest room runs at 3 a.m. are not the best opportunity for clear thinking -BUT- that is just when students are vulnerable and career thieves know this.  Even if they've been hanging around for a while, if you really don't know them ask someone you know to watch your stuff. Or at least grab the most valuable stuff you have, i.e. keys, room and car, phone and wallet or what ever with bank cards and cash. These easily transportable objects or the most likely to be stolen in your absence. 

Good luck on finals from Planet College.