Students are at a higher risk of being victims of burglary or armed robbery as police say Athens-Clarke County is in a state of “crime emergency.”

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department declared the area to be in crisis on July 30 and asked residents to contact the police if they see anything even slightly suspicious.

“If you see something and you think there’s something awkward about it, don’t worry about if it is or it isn’t. Just call the police,” said University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson.

Williamson said although there is no guaranteed way to defend homes from burglary, there are several steps students can take to deter criminals.

Students can leave lights on throughout their residence and put televisions and radios on timers to give the impression that someone is inside, Williamson said, pointing out burglars avoid places where there are people.

“There have been cases where someone knocks on the door and [the resident doesn't] answer quick and then someone’s trying to kick down their back door,” he said.

Williamson also recommended students keep track of serial numbers on electronics such as flat screen televisions and laptops – two of the most commonly stolen items.

“If anyone hears there are places in town that are buying laptops and flatscreen TVs, notify the police,” he asked, explaining places like these are often used to sell stolen goods.

Williamson said he hopes students will take every precaution they can, but doesn’t think student-run neighborhood watch organizations may be effective because students often leave town for extended periods of time.

Although students should be aware of potential crime at all times, Williamson said crimes on campus have not increased significantly.

“I think a lot of that is due to the partnership that we have with the University community,” he said. “Staff and students are pretty quick to report anything suspicious.”

In an effort to help students be aware of crimes in the Athens area, The Red & Black is maintaining a crime map at www.redandblack.com.

The map, updated weekly, shows the location and time of crimes students should be aware of such as armed robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults. Each point includes information about what was stolen as well.

Chris Howell, a junior from Athens, recently had his iPod stolen. Still, he said he hasn’t noticed an increase in overall crime.

“I haven’t seen that much of it,” he said. “There’s always been crime.”

Howell said one of his friends, also an Athens native, has had his home broken into six times.

“There are a ton of burglaries that go on,” he said. “Places are broken in to all the time.”