This time, it was "only" a car fire.

But what is it going to take for the university to step up security in its student parking lots?

Located on the outskirts of campus, student parking lots lend themselves well to crimes such as the 25 breakins and one arson that occurred in Lot 83 North earlier this month. If Penn State is going to charge students to park in these isolated locations, the university should at least see to it that these lots are as safe as possible.

Judging by the recent rash of events in Lot 83 and the regular theft and vandalism that occurs in parking lots that are further away from campus, it is evident that more could and should be done to protect students and their property.

Penn State must get past a few roadblocks and commit more funding to make strides in student safety. Presently, Penn State Police Services regularly make rounds in the lots, but obviously they cannot be everywhere at once and must work within the confines of their resources.

Transportation Services said it ran into ordinance problems when fighting for more lights in the flower gardens, the area near Lot 83N, due to the residential setting. According to the department, the community says the lighting is "adequate."

Lot 83N, or any of the student lots, do not seem very close to any private homes. Surely private residents or those in the nearby dormitories would not be bothered by some enhanced lighting, especially for the sake of safety.

While more lights could help, security cameras would be even more effective. Installing surveillance cameras to monitor lots would be a permanent, 24-hour-a-day watchdog and deterrent. Though it would cost money, can anyone deny the value of safety?

The university should also look at ways to redistribute or add resources in Police Services especially for the purpose of patrols.

Though the campus lots are relatively less expensive than parking alternatives in town, this does not mean these students deserve less protection. It is not right for students to feel uneasy walking to their cars on campus, or for them to get to their car and discover it has been vandalized or burglarized.

Let's not wait for another incident to occur before implenting change, bringing a peace of mind to students who park their cars on the outskirts of campus.