Laurel House FAQ, Part 13:
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13.1 I will have a computer and/or other expensive equipment in my room. What kind of door security do the rooms have? Do I need other special security devices?
The rooms in the 1907 building (exterior doors) actually have three locks on the doors: (1) lock on door knob, (2) keyed deadbolt, and (3) keyless deadbolt (the reason for all the locks is that the house had keyed deadbolts installed but shortly thereafter Texas state law required all doors to have keyless deadbolts as well). The windows slide open and closed and so if you insert a stick into the window track it is basically impossible to open it externally without breaking the window. The rooms in 1905 (interior doors) also have three locks on the doors and access to the upper floor rooms is only possible with a house key. The windows have durable locks and are double paned. If you have expensive equipment (e.g., computer) inside your room, you will probably want to have some type of additional security. All bikes which are stored outside should have a chain or U-lock to prevent theft.
13. 2 What kind of security is there for the public spaces?
All doors into the 1905 building (where all the public spaces are located) are kept locked except the door to the commons which is open during the day only. All members are given keys to these doors. In addition, the laundry room, computer room and study room are always kept locked. Nighttime lighting is plentiful and covers much of sidewalk area, parking spaces, and areas between the houses. In general, members help to provide security for the house by keeping their eyes and ears open. Since there is usually always someone around the house, this works pretty well and suspicious behavior is often noticed quickly and addressed by a house officer.
13.3 Can College Houses representatives make unauthorized entry into rooms?
Yes. According to the terms of the contract, agents of College Houses may enter rooms to inspect, clean or make repairs, alterations, or additions, as College Houses sees necessary. However, entry will not be made without justifiable cause and Laurel House policy requires that all such unauthorized entries be announced beforehand and made with two officers present. In addition, a note must be left regarding the reason for entry and listing the persons who entered. Due to the community nature of the co-op, personal privacy is highly valued, and therefore taken very seriously by both members and officers of the house.
13.4 What is the crime like around the co-op? Has there been any theft? Have cars been vandalized? Are there transients around?
The crime rate around the co-op is low. Over the past four years, there has been only one major theft from inside any of the buildings or rooms (this happened when a member left a bedroom window open with a wallet and other valuables within arm's reach of the windowsill), although a few bikes have been stolen off outside racks. Occasionally sweets or other food "mysteriously" disappears from the personal shelves of the walk-in, but such behavior is not normal and is strongly discouraged. Cars have been broken into and/or vandalized but no more often than on UT campus. Transients do wander off the main street nearby, but generally manage to get along on their way without incident before too long. Officers and members are encouraged to contact the police if suspicious persons are found hanging around the house. While the crime rate in Austin is low compared to other metropolitan areas in Texas, members should take common sense precautions to protect themselves and their property.
13.5 I may need to walk home at night. Is this a problem? Has anyone been assaulted?
Generally, walking home at night is not a problem but members, especially women, should take common sense precautions. People (thankfully no Laurelians) have been known to be assaulted when walking alone at night in the West Campus area, and so members are encouraged to walk with friends or get rides after dark.
13.6 Is theft of items in rooms covered by College Houses insurance? Do I need renter's insurance?
Theft from items from personal rooms is not covered by
College Houses insurance. If you plan to have a lot of expensive items
in your room, you may want have your own tenant's insurance.
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Laurel House Co-op / Austin, Texas, USA / last updated 30 March 2005