As the students move out, the thieves may move in.
With the closing down of residence halls scheduled to occur in less than two weeks and other students leaving off-campus housing, theft rates may soon climb slightly.
"There is usually a spike in theft in and around residence halls during move-out week," Director of Housing Public Affairs Alan Levy said. "The basic extent of what we tell people is to urge them not to leave their personal property unattended."
Ann Arbor Police Department Sgt. Larry Jerue suggested similar advice for students moving out.
"It's a very vulnerable time for students," Jerue said. "You have to trust your instincts - if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its a duck."
Jerue suggests students lock doors when leaving and use "basic, good common sense."
AAPD does not see a rise in crime during move-out, although there is an increase during vacations, Jerue said.
"We have a tendency to have more reports during breaks. We see problems increase in home invasion," Jerue said. "Move-outs have a tendency to be extended over a long period of time. There is not as much high volume exit during move out as during move in or break times."
However, many students living in residence halls said they do not worry about theft.
"I haven't had problems with theft all year," said LSA first-year student Ashley Reichenbach. "I'm not going home, so I'm going to move in stages."
LSA first-year student Anthony White said he plans to move all of his belongings out at once, and is not worried about theft.
"I'm not terribly worried. I don't think moving out will be too much of a difficulty," White said.
A few students said they are skeptical of students advertising moving and storage services.
"When you see the 764- numbers on fliers you don't pay attention to them because you know it's just students," said LSA sophomore Diego Bernal. "You're scared they might take your stuff and keep it."
During move-out in the residence halls, some students leave University property, like bed frames and desk chairs, in the hallway for extended periods of time.
"There are too many people that go unaccounted in this period," Levy said. "Students shouldn't leave items they are financially liable for unattended."
Many students leave sections of lofts scattered in the hallway when they put University beds back into their rooms.
"We don't want this part of our loft - that's why it's in the hall," LSA first-year student Monica Parrish, pointing to pieces of a loft frame outside her door.
Levy said it is helpful for students to report suspicious people to Department of Pubic Safety officials or housing security immediately.
"We already have roaming officers in and out of buildings," Levy said. "The (residence hall) closing notices usually include tips on securing property."
Security doors should not be propped open while moving, Levy said.
ADDIE SMITH/Daily
LSA first-year student Guy Bargnes takes down his East Quad loft last night. Such move-out scenes will be common in the coming days.