The campus has grown accustomed to the inevitable car break-in.Many tried to just shrug off the infamous “I (heart) SMU” prank.

In these cases there were at least groups, other than TCU students, to blame: a criminal expounding with pride his frequent car break-in outings; incredibly sneaky University Park dwellers with shoe polish; and, of course, the TCU Police and their lack of security cameras in certain areas around campus.

It is hard to blame the police when the security-laden University Recreation Center has no video record of an unidentified panty-raider entering a building – especially when no one can figure out how the man entered the building.

Ultimately, the students must be blamed when a man burglarizes a residence hall, likely with the aid of propped-open doors or students simply allowing his entry.

What can be done to keep the student body safe?

TCU Police are not and cannot be expected to be omnipresent. Students must assist law enforcement by taking extra precautions in their everyday lives.

Don’t delete e-mail crime warnings. Students should read them and be on the lookout for suspects.

Beyond mere awareness, students must use common sense and work to avoid creating an environment that invites crime.

Use Froggie Five-0, or go places with groups instead of walking alone at night.

Don’t prop open the doors of your residence hall, and avoid letting people you don’t know into the residence halls.

Try to be aware of your surroundings. And it wouldn’t hurt to let your roommate know where you will be if you plan on being out late at night.

Students should be responsible for doing all they can to prevent harm to their person and to others.

Roxanna Latifi and Opinion Editor Brian Chatman for the Editorial Board.