I found out how easy it is to take advantage of the "Oxford bubble" when I went home this weekend to Cleveland. One amazing thing about Miami is the fact that for most of us as Miami students, we all have a level of unspoken trust between one another when it comes to our belongings and even our safety. Yes, we have unfortunate incidents sometimes but for the most part, the Oxford bubble has rarely been popped for most of us. And then, when we least expect it, we are reminded that we aren't always living in this semi-perfect world.
This reminder happened to me while out with friends in downtown Cleveland this past weekend. I was bar hopping with my best friends and boyfriend on West Sixth Street, the most popular street in Cleveland for nightlife. As I was walking, reality smacked me in the face quite hard. A random guy came from behind me and stole my brand new iPhone 5. I had only had it for two days. Even the back and front protective covers were still on it; an awesome "steal" for my culprit. I was in complete shock. I had never been robbed before in my life, and I was careless because I thought I was still in Oxford.
The problem is that as students, we tend to be misinformed about what is out there concerning cell phones. I found out the hard way that Apple Care, and your own cell phone providers insurance are completely different. If you buy your cell phone in the actual Apple store, which I did, they only give you information on Apple Care, which is a one-time fee and only covers physical damage to the phone. Theft is not included. Apple's policy surrounds the fact that the damaged iPhone must be accounted for in order to use Apple Care. Basically, walking into Apple even with a police report that your phone was stolen will do you absolutely no good.
What students should know is that though Apple Care is good for those careless nights out when someone happens to spill beer on your phone, you need to get your own cell phone provider's insurance. I have Verizon, and they eventually told me after I went there the next morning after my phone had already been stolen that their insurance, which is a fee every month, covers theft completely and will replace your phone. This feature of the insurance can only be used you purchase it before the phone is stolen. That information would have been great to know at the Apple store when I bought my phone. Unless you ask questions, you won't understand what the best coverage is for your expensive piece of technology.
One thing I actually did right in this incident though was that I had a pass lock on my phone. This wasn't to hide my text messages from anyone, but I had it because I knew if someone had in fact stolen my phone, if they entered in my pass lock more than 10 times incorrectly, all of my data would be instantly erased off my phone. This includes applications, passwords, images, and contacts. So who ever steals your phone, they wont be able to use it and access your information.
Another thing to remember when it comes to iPhones is that the "find your iPhone app" is only good if your iPhone is on. The guy who took my phone was smart enough to immediately turn it off, so I couldn't even tell the police where it was because the GPS location was off. The iPhone seems invincible in its impeccable technology and applications, but they aren't full proof.
I partially blame this on the Oxford bubble. I think many of us, including me, become so used to not asking questions about our safety, or about protecting our things. How many of us leave our doors unlocked during the day? Or even at night? How many of us walk around alone at 3 a.m.? The answer is that too many of us have done these things. It isn't the guy's fault that stole my phone; it was mine for walking around a city carelessly. We can't always avoid the unknown and the bad things that happen to us sometimes. Remaining aware of how we can protect our technology and personal belongings is only the first step. We have to remember no matter where we are, even in Oxford, that not everyone has our best interest at heart.
The Oxford Bubble isn't a bad thing, but it isn't a good thing either. I urge students to lock their doors, walk with friends home, triple lock their cars, and hide expensive belongings because you never know when a real world reality check is going to catch up to you. Instead of carelessly tip toeing around these unknown unfortunate circumstances, let's all as students take preventative measures to combat theft and enhance our safety in Oxford and out.
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