| OPINION
| October 13, 2004
Editorial/Our View
Beware and Be Warned
Students should do all they can
to keep themselves safe from theft and alcohol abuse
The release of last year’s crime
statistics shows an increase in liquor law violations and burglaries.
Students should be more careful of themselves and their belongings,
those of age should drink responsibly and those underage shouldn’t
drink at all.
First of all, if you are under 21, it’s illegal to drink.
As the new statistics show, if you do drink underage or supply alcohol
to a minor you could get in trouble. So don’t do it.
As far as those of age are concerned, we all know college students
are going to drink. It’s perfectly legal for those over 21.
But if you act foolishly, chances are you’ll get in trouble
too.
Being intoxicated in public gives others a chance to take advantage
of you. Whether someone steals your wallet while you’re in
the bathroom or you go home with someone you hardly know, getting
drunk while you’re out can have you waking up with serious
regrets.
Drunk driving can have far more serious consequences than many care
to think about. While being loud and obnoxious may get you a ticket
and fine, driving under the influence can cause serious damage to
others and yourself. As Lt. James Ferguson, UTA assistant police
chief, suggests, “If you do drink, don’t be out in public
generating a problem, and don’t even consider driving a vehicle.”
Burglaries have risen as well, and there are some small things everyone
can do to keep from being a victim. Be careful not to leave items
of value in vehicles, and try to purchase a CD player with a faceplate
you can take with you. Lock car doors and leave your windows up,
while you are in and away from your vehicle. Don’t leave your
things unattended, even for a second. Many incidents have been reported
of items being stolen from tables or backpacks around campus. In
your home, keep doors and windows locked, even when you’re
at home. Be aware of people coming and going in your community,
and don’t be afraid to call police if you notice suspicious
activity.
Some call burglaries little or petty, but they never are to the
victims. The cost of replacing stolen items can reach several hundred
dollars, especially when you figure in car windows and stereos.
Having property stolen, especially after a break-in, causes people
to feel violated and unsafe. Persons committing these crimes should
be held responsible, not the victims. But taking certain precautions
can save you from having to deal with theft, and it’s better
to prevent crimes than have to deal with them afterward.
More tips for crime prevention are available on the UTA police Web
site http://www.uta.edu/police/crimepreventiontips.htm. If we obey
liquor laws and are more careful of our belongings, we’ll
hopefully see a decline in these statistics next year.
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Editorial
round-up
The issue: Rates of burglary and liquor
violations have increased on campus.
We suggest: Take precautions to protect
your property and don’t abuse alcohol.
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