Students leaving Athens for spring break probably are thinking more about sun and surf than about protecting their homes against burglars.

But after a series of burglaries during winter break, students might want to consider double-checking locks on doors and windows, said Rick Crossen, Athens Police Department crime prevention officer.

The APD still is investigating the winter break thefts in which more than $20,000 of property was stolen from off-campus residences.

"We always have a few (burglaries), but this year it seemed to be on a larger scale," APD Officer Roger Deardorff said.

Residents leaving their homes during spring break should keep expensive items away from windows and put lights on timers, Crossen said. Students should draw curtains and contact the post office to stop mail delivery.In addition, residents should know the serial and model numbers of their expensive items, such as radios and computers, to increase chances of recovery if stolen, Deardorff said.

Students should have insurance covering expensive property they are leaving in Athens during breaks, said Chris Walton, owner of the management company for University Commons.

If students secure their homes, thefts, like three during winter break at the University Commons, easily could be avoided, he said.

"In each one of the circumstances police reported a window left open," Walton said.

To deter thieves, students should place a board diagonally across the top of a window to prevent the window from being opened, Deardorff said.

However, some students living off campus are not too concerned about the thefts. "We'll use the dead bolt, but that's about the only thing. I'm not too worried about it," senior Kelly Krueckeberg said.

Students living in residence halls have access to copies of a brochure, which outlines hall closing procedures and includes suggestions for securing property left in rooms, said Frank Robinson, assistant director of the Department of Residence Life.

To secure their property, students living on campus should follow the same general guidelines as those living off campus, he said.

For additional security, residence hall rooms will be checked before closing by resident directors, and locks on the perimeter doors will be changed so students cannot enter during break, Robinson said.

But, some students living in residence halls do not think they have much control over the situation.

"My good stuff I'm taking home with me, but there's not much I can really do about it," sophomore Kelly Matty said.

Freshman Deborah Trimble said, "I'm leaving my radio and I'll be really pissed if it gets stolen, but (resident assistants) say that it's safe as long as we lock our doors."