By Robert Allen
r-allen.4@onu.edu
There has been a recent series of break-ins at Ohio Northern University. Two rooms were entered over Thanksgiving break and a third theft occured over Christmas break.
Both rooms were entered through the window, explains Justin Courtney, Director of Residence Life. Whether the windows were not locked or simply forced open is not clear. In one of the two instances, the resident was still on campus.  In both cases, personal items were stolen.
The third theft occurred over Christmas break.  A television was stolen from 5 University Parkway.
“Their flat screen TV was taken off the wall,” Courtney confirmed.
He said that the theft occurred on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day. The administration has been quick to respond. 
“The residence life staff had an in-service as soon as we returned from fall break,” explains Courtney.
He said they discussed the first two incidents along with the importance of residents locking windows and doors - just as the check-out sheets issued in the dormitories direct.
“We want to ensure students’ security,” Courtney said, “that’s our number one priority.” 
A meeting was also held by a group of administrators that, in addition to Courtney, included: Robert Ruble, vice president for Financial Affairs; Adriane Thompson Bradshaw, dean of students; George Sleesman, chief of Security; Deanna Shine, coordinator of international admissions; and Lee Ann Hall, director of business services.
According to Courtney, the group discussed the occurrences and made a collective decision about what should be done.
In addition to increased security circulation during breaks, the primary response is the issuing of a rectangular, wooden bar. It fits in the window track, explains Courtney. This prohibits the window from being forced open even if the built-in mechanism is left unlocked.  The concept is identical to homeowners’ practice of putting a piece of wood or a broken broom handle in the track along which their sliding glass doors move.
The new security measure appears to be both simple and effective.
Pushed on at a length-wise angle, the bar would be almost impossible to break.
“We want to try to ensure things like this don’t happen in the future,” says Courtney.
He explained that installation will be incremental; the university purchased the wood and the physical plant is actually fashioning the rods themselves.
“It’s a university wide effort,” Courtney said with a hint of enthusiasm, citing the staff’s teamwork.
The ultimate goal is to have these simple devises in all sliding, first floor windows, including those in the apartments and Affinity village.