According to
the Appalachian State University Parking and Traffic Web
site, the university has nearly 5, 700 parking spaces. Many
students park in Greenwood and South Lot and it is important
that they stay safe while they are parking their cars.
“Students should always try and go to the parking lots
with a friend, especially late at night,” University
Police Sgt. Jason Cornett said.
Cornett said students should utilize the AppalCART and 262-
RIDE.
“If at all possible student's should trying and use
the AppalCART if it is still running. However, if it is not
they can use 262-RIDE. If they do walk back down to campus
on the trail, having a little key chain flashlight to shine
around if you hear something,” said Cornett.
Cornett said there have been no incidents so far this year
in the parking lots.
“There haven’t been any incidents of larceny
in any parking lots yet this year, which is very impressive.
However, during this time of year, especially around Halloween,
there are a lot of pranksters who like to come out and vandalize
cars,” Cornett said.
Cornett said he also recommended the use of the blue light
phones, which are placed throughout campus. To operate a
blue light phone, press the button to turn it on, and it
will automatically connect to the Appalachian State University
Police Department.
“There are three blue light phones in Greenwood, and
two in South lot. We encourage people to use them if they
need to,” Cornett said.
“Also, if you see someone or something that makes you
uncomfortable while you are alone in a parking lot, just
stay in a well lit area and hurry to it’s entrance.
If you are in Greenwood and you do not want to stop, you
can always go to Appalachian Heights and use a phone there,”
Cornett said.
Although the parking lots can be desolate at night, some
students feel safe in them anyways.
“ I have parked on campus for several years, in South
Lot and in Greenwood, and I have never felt nervous or threatened
before, said Jesse Cox, a senior history major.
“I do always try to take 262-RIDE, but I don’t
mind walking down back to my dorm. There is one park of that
trail behind Greenwood that is creepy because it is completely
dark though," Cox said.
“I live in Appalachian Heights and I have a parking
tag for my dorm," senior Rebekah Henry said. "If
all of our spots are full, we have to go park in Greenwood
across the street. If it is late at night and there are no
spots in App Heights I will sit outside my dorm and wait
for a spot, because it is too dark in Greenwood and I don’t
feel safe.”
“There are not a lot of violent crimes at Appalachian,
most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Someone sees something
that they want and they just come back later and take it,
said Cornett.
“Students can take preventative measures to reduce
the risk of their cars being broken in these parking lots,
by placing valuables in the trunk and removing removable
CD player faces.
"If they cannot see anything in the car to take, then
they are not going to break into it,” Cornett said.
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