Residents at Frederiksen Court can rest easy during winter break knowing their property is safe and secure.

Last year multiple thefts from the Frederiksen Court apartments by a community adviser resulted in policy changes concerning entrance into the apartments.

ISU graduate David Breitwisch was charged with one count of second-degree burglary, a Class C felony, and three counts of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, after police obtained a search warrant and recovered items from his apartment that resembled possessions residents had reported missing.

“My biggest concern was to be available to anyone with questions or concerns,” said Mary Beth Golemo, program coordinator for the residence halls.

Golemo said that after the thefts were reported and Breitwisch was charged, Frederiksen Court residents met with residence hall’s administration, resulting in a policy change.

The community council also put together a Web-based survey in spring 2004 asking residents about any safety concerns they had, she said.

The policy now states that community advisers are not to enter a vacant apartment unless they are accompanied by another community adviser, Golemo said.

Residents are also notified by flier or e-mail when a scheduled apartment inspection is going to occur, she said.

Golemo said she has confidence in the community advisers and their trustworthiness.

Matt Wiese, sophomore in pre-business and Frederiksen Court resident, said he knew Breitwisch as a co-worker when he was a resident assistant and the theft didn’t seem like something a resident assistant would do.

Wiese said he and his roommates have discussed the safety of their possessions, but they aren’t worried.

“I don’t think it’s a normal character attribute for a CA or anyone who has keys to [steal],” Wiese said.

Wiese said he isn’t concerned about the safety of his property this winter break while he will be in his hometown.

He said he and his roommates take their computers home during breaks, but not because they fear theft.

When one or more residents from an apartment move out at semester, Golemo said community advisers inspect the apartment within a day or two after the resident checks out.