Welcome students. Some of you are coming back and some of you are new to the college experience. I wish you all the best in your academic endeavors and I hope your time living and going to school in the area will be pleasurable and memorable.

Like one of my high school teachers told me, “Enjoy college because it will be some of the best carefree years of your life.” Take time to have fun in college, but use your head

While moving in, watch out for strangers helping you move in. Unless these “helpers” are college aged and also moving into your dormitory or building, they may be “helping” you to get near your valuables and steal them.

Do not allow these “helpers” any time unattended near your valuables. They are looking for easily concealed valuable items like cash, jewelry, iPods, cell phones or anything else they can stick in their pockets that is worth something. These “helper” thieves are relying on the fact that in all the confusion of moving you will just think whatever they stole was forgotten at home or just misplaced during the move. You won’t even notice your property gone for several days.

Get in the habit right away -- LOCK YOUR DOORS! Most of the thefts and home invasions in and around campus involve thieves that merely walk in while you are away and take whatever they can find of value.

If you or a roommate find one of these sneak thieves in your room or apartment they will quickly act surprised and ask if their old friend is living there, or act embarrassed they walked in the wrong door or ask if you would be willing to sublet next spring. In any event you will answer their question and because they are not college aged and are creeping around your place you will be glad to get them out without having to kick them out.

As soon as the “creeper” is gone quickly inventory your valuables, such as: wallets, jewelry, electronic items, cell phones, car keys and anything a person can sell for quick cash. If something is missing call 9-1-1 and get the police heading your way. Give the dispatcher the best description you can of the thief.

Ann Arbor is for the most part a very safe town. Perhaps you have heard about the serial rapist who has operated here this summer. His actions have prompted women to be more cautious in travelling alone at night. The sexual assaults have served as a wake-up call to think about your personal safety.

This guy will be caught, but even so I strongly urge you to walk in pairs or groups at night for your entire college career. If you must walk alone, be aware of your surroundings. Walk in well-lit areas where there is a lot of foot traffic. Utilize taxicabs, buses and safe rides the college provides you whenever possible.

All students should watch out for each other. If someone screams or appears to be in trouble use your cell phone -- push 9-1-1-SEND or get to a safety phone with the blue light on top. Pick up the safety phone and you will immediately be speaking to the police -- report what you saw and get police responding.

When attending social events be careful. Make sure everyone in your group gets home safely. If someone is drunk, don’t let him or her drive. If someone is so drunk or high that they are passed out -- wake them up. And if you can’t wake that person, call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. Do not hesitate, do not worrying about minor in possession tickets or drug violations. If someone is passed out and you cannot wake them, they might die! Call 9-1-1 immediately.

While at social events if you are drinking, do not leave your drink unattended. If you are drinking from a “common source” some sort of mixed drink, you can bet that it consists of about 90 percent liquor and 10 percent mixer and who knows what else. These drinks have been developed over the years, on campuses around the country, to get you drunk and drunk quickly. This leads us back to sexual assaults on campus.

The vast majority of sexual assaults that occur in Ann Arbor are “acquaintance” or “date” rapes. Many of those stem from parties where inhibitions are lowered as blood alcohol levels rise. Ladies, please, if you see one of your friends getting really drunk, get them out of that party and that environment as soon as possible. Be especially protective of your younger classmates, because statistically a woman is 10 times more likely to be sexually assaulted in their freshman year of college than at any other time in her life.

For all students, enjoy college, but use your head, stay in control and give yourself the best chance for a bright future. Welcome to Ann Arbor.

Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors.

Rich Kinsey is a retired Ann Arbor police detective sergeant who now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com. He also serves as the Crime Stoppers coordinator for Washtenaw County.