The residential streets near the UW-Eau Claire campus are mostly silent over winter break, which the Eau Claire Police Department says makes the homes prime targets for crime.

"We do see an increase in the types of robberies to student properties," says Officer Jason Kaveney.

While any home left alone for a long period of time is in danger, Eau Claire police say fewer people keep watch in the campus neighborhoods. With 360 burglaries in Eau Claire in 2007, police say everyone needs to keep an eye out.

96 percent of the burglaries in the Randall Park neighborhood are to rental properties, mostly rented by students. 71 percent of those did not involve forced entry, which means the thieves found an unlocked door or window to come in through.

Officers say it's good to let your neighbors know if you're going to be gone for a long period of time. But if you're staying here this winter break, how can you make sure your neighborhood is safe, and report something that looks suspicious?

Police did send notification on campus about safety tips before break started, including keeping doors, windows and garages closed and locked. If you didn't want to take your valuables with you, Officer Kaveney says writing down serial numbers can help.

"A lot of items that have serial numbers on them, so the opportunity exists that we can solve the crimes if the serial numbers are recorded,” says Kaveney. “But unfortunately people don't take the time to write them down."

The best way to prevent theft is to make it look like you’re home. Have a friend at least pick up your mail and shovel your snow. But Officer Kaveney says everyone in the neighborhood should stay vigilant.

"If you see something happening across the street that you're just not sure of, just write a license plate down. And you may never do anything with it but in the event something is happening, you have the information, you can give it to police,” recommends Kaveney.

Officer Kaveney says it's a good idea for students to introduce themselves to their neighbors every time they move, and as always, say something if they see something.