Boston’s police commissioner urges college students to take safety precautions for Thanksgiving break

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In a letter to colleges and universities in the area, the commissioner offered safety tips for deterring burglars.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox on Thursday urged students traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday to take precautions and protect their homes and belongings.

In a letter to colleges and universities in the area, Cox offered safety tips for deterring burglars, advising students to lock windows and doors to their unit, including side doors and basements.

In the event that window or door locks are not working properly, students should contact their landlord before traveling, he said.

If possible, it would be wise for students to install motion sensor lighting or lights that run on a timer to create the impression that someone is home, he said. Students should also ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on their place and if they are staying in the city should call 911 to report anything suspicious.

He also suggested that students ask the US Postal Service to hold their mail until they return. Such requests, which can be filled out here, protects packages while preventing mail from piling up, signaling that the residence is unoccupied, Cox said.

“If you plan on staying in the city during break please remember that your homes are in neighborhoods where people live and work,” Cox said. “The Boston Police Department will respond to calls for loud and underage parties.”

Other tips focused on preserving general safety, like removing window air conditioners, especially those that lead to a fire escape. If they can’t be removed, air conditioners should be securely fastened, Cox said.

“On behalf of the Boston Police Department, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving,” he said.

Bryan Hecht can be reached at bryan.hecht@globe.com. Follow him on Instagram @bhechtjournalism.

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