MILWAUKEE, WI--(Marketwire - July 26, 2010) - Parents have enough to worry about when their son or daughter departs for college -- the safety of their child's "stuff" shouldn't be one of them. To ease the burden, Master Lock has developed a top ten tip sheet for parents to help protect their students from becoming a victim of theft -- the No. 1 crime on American college campuses1 -- as they head to college this fall.
"It's much smarter for parents to invest time and money now to ensure that their child's belongings will stay safe at college than to leave your child at risk and worry about replacing valuables later," said Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. "By following a few basic steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft."
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Back-up the backpack
While backpacks are a popular and practical tool for carrying books and supplies, they're also an easy target for theft due to their multiple, simple points of entry. Help your student deter theft with a sporty and secure backpack lock, such as Master Lock's 1548 carabineer lock or 1533TRI mini combination lock. Students should also be mindful to keep their backpack and other valuables with them at all times, whether in the classroom, library or cafeteria. -
Engrave valuables
Help your student engrave or permanently mark his or her valuables with your student's first initial and last name. Permanently marking items makes them more difficult to pawn, easier to recognize as stolen and easier to identify and reclaim. -
Keep personal information private
Limit the personal information your student shares on his or her valuables, front door, mailbox, key chain, backpack and other items. Your student should not share his or her address or complete name in order to avoid additional risk if an item is stolen or misplaced, or if your student's living space is violated. -
Keep money safe
Before sending college kids out on their own, teach them how to responsibly use a debit or credit card to allow them to carry less cash. Cash can't be replaced if stolen, but most credit cards only hold the card-holder liable for the first $50. When storing money and other small valuables in high-traffic areas, such as dorms and apartments, students should always lock them up in a cash or document box made of durable steel, such as the Master Lock 7113D cash box, 7143D drawer safe or 7142D security chest. -
Lock personal items in lockers
Some things never change -- every student should be equipped with a high security padlock to keep his or her belongings locked safely in a locker whenever possible, whether at the gym or in the classroom. What has changed is the variety of padlocks now available, including combination-alike locks so users don't have to remember multiple combinations and set-your-own password locks so users can personalize their locks and create an easy-to-remember passwords, such as Master Lock's 1500iD Speed Dial, 1590D Precision Dial or 1534D combination lock. -
Safeguard bikes
Teach students to always lock up their bikes, regardless of how long they plan to leave the bike unattended. Invest in one of Master Lock's high security u-bars paired with a large diameter (3/8-inch or greater) cable. Use the cable to secure both wheels to the bike and the u-bar to anchor the bike frame to a secure, immovable object such as a cemented bike rack. -
Always lock doors and windows
Whether they are in their room or away, teach students to always lock their doors and windows to prevent unwanted entry. To prevent someone from forcing their way in the room as well as protect against others who still have a key from previous years, students should invest in a door and window security bar, such as the Master Lock 265 security bar or 266D window bar and alarm. -
Travel safely
Whether traveling by bus, train or air, a lock is imperative for keeping your student's belongings safe throughout their entire travel route. To get the most bang for your buck, invest in a TSA-accepted locking device -- the one lock airport screeners won't cut. These locks allow TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage without damaging the lock. Students should secure both their checked luggage and carry-on bags with a TSA-approved locking closure, such as the Master Lock 4688D TSA-accepted combination lock. -
Insure your student's valuables
Check to see if your homeowners insurance covers your student's belongings while they reside in either on- or off-campus housing. If not, consult with an insurance agent to determine what additional coverage is necessary. -
Be aware and prepared, not scared
While it's a parent's job to be overprotective, don't scare your student into thinking college is a completely un-safe atmosphere. Do teach them to be aware of their surroundings -- walk with confidence and pay attention to what's going on around them, and be sure to review the school's safety programs and services during orientation or online. Preparation and awareness are the keys to safety in any situation.
To download high-resolution images, please visit www.tinyurl.com/masterlockcampus. For more information, including a college safety shopping checklist, please visit Master Lock's press room at www.masterlock.com/about_us/press_room.jsp.
About Master Lock
Master Lock is the world's largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products providing innovative security solutions for home, automotive, campus, power sports, bike and storage security needs for consumers and contractors alike. Master Lock Company L.L.C. is an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a leading consumer brands company. Headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., Fortune Brands (
1 According to Colby-Sawyer College
Contact Information:
Contact:
Hannah Schroder
630.932.7938
hannah@jsha.com
Laura Colar
630.916.3047
laurac@jsha.com
