Georgia Southern Police are attempting to discourage students from neglecting their property after five suspects were arrested in connection to recent thefts and criminal trespass at the Recreational Activity Center.

“Five people were arrested. None of them were students, and they were working together,” Terry Briley, GSU’s captain of Criminal Investigations, said.

Jimmy Rodrigues Hodges, 26, Kelvin Rashad Bradford, 20, and Mickey Demerrius Smith, 20, were all charged with criminal trespass. Victor Jaamal Hall, 21, was charged with felony theft by taking and criminal trespass. Devarris Antonio Eady, 22, was charged with felony theft by taking, criminal trespass and financial transaction card fraud.

All five were booked at the Bulloch County jail.

“One man paid the fee to get into the RAC, and he came around and let the others in through a back door,” Briley said. “That’s where the criminal trespass comes in.”

“Hall and Eady took book bags and other items. Eady then went over to McDonald’s and bought dinner,” Briley said. “People like this come onto campus and cause problems. We don’t like our students taken advantage of.”

The incidents are still under investigation.

These recent thefts are raising awareness of the consequences of leaving valuable property unattended. GSU police are attempting to reduce the number of thefts on campus.

“Never leave belongings unsecured. Valuable items need to be secured in a locker with a lock,” America Minc, Campus Recreation and Intramurals director of fitness and facilities, said.

“There are two sets of lockers available to students, and padlocks are available for purchase for $3 or students can bring their own,” Minc said. “We have day lockers for daily and rental use.”

The staff at the RAC offers tips to students on how to best protect their valuables.

“We do a marketing campaign, Rock the Lock, that raises awareness about safely securing your valuables,” Minc said. “There are posters everywhere and cards are put in every cubby to promote awareness.”

“Leave it in your car, or at least lock it up,” GSU Police Chief Mike Russell said.

Contact GSU police immediately if any suspicious activity is seen. By doing this, some crimes can be prevented from happening, Russell said.

“If it doesn’t look right, please call or email us. Air on the side of caution,” Briley said.

Eagle Eyewitness, a tip-line that people can either call or email, has helped prevent a lot of crime in the past. Students are encouraged to call with information relating to crimes or suspicious activity on campus, Riley said.

Briley said, “‘See something, say something,’ our chief always says. Be a good neighbor and look out for your neighbors.”