University Police is encouraging students to lock up their belongings after another burglary was reported at the Keys Residential Complex Saturday morning.
The burglary was the third reported incident in the last month and half, as UPD continues its investigation.The department has not arrested anyone in connection to the string of burglaries at the complex.
On Saturday, a Keys resident told officers he woke up to someone inside his apartment, according to a UPD news release.
The resident told officers the burglar talked to him moments before running out of the room.
Although the resident could not give a complete description of the burglar, he said the thief spoke with “some sort of accent,” according to the release.
In the December Keys burglaries, police said the burglar — or group of burglars — mostly stole electronic devices, which include game consoles, cellphones and laptops, during early morning hours. Wallets were also reported stolen from rooms.
With the recent increase of burglaries at Keys, UPD recommends students keep their dorm and apartment doors locked at all times and to keep all valuables out of common areas.
As an added security step, the department encourages students to enable password protection on their electronic devices to keep thieves from accessing them.
Students can also use software from Frontdoor Laptop Software, which can track and disable computers in the event they’re stolen. The program can be downloaded for free on the company’s website, www.frontdoorsoftware.com.
UPD also suggest students register their devices through the department’s website. UPD will keep the make, model, serial number and type of product registered online on file, which will make identifying and returning a recovered item easier.
Jen Gresley, residence life coordinator for the Tolbert and Keys area, sent out an email to residents Saturday, reminding them to be aware of their surroundings and know who they are inviting into their dorms — a message that can be applied to both on-campus and off-campus students.
The department said students should report crimes as soon as they see it happen. The faster officers can respond to the scene, the more likely a suspect will be arrested.
The department said students should provide a description of the person, including gender, race, height, build, clothing, speech or any other identifying characteristics, according to the release.
If you have any information about the Saturday morning Keys robbery, please contact UPD at 352-392-1111.
Contact Kathryn Varn at kvarn@alligator.org.
