Three vehicles were vandalized on campus last week, two on Jan. 25 and one on Jan. 26. Two of the three cars were parked on the main drive through campus, and one was in the Shipstad parking lot, according to Campus Safety Director Sara Westbrook.
“Our first ask is, one, never leave anything in your car that anyone can see,” Westbrook said. “You would think people only are going to take something of value, but, I don’t know why it’s true, but people will break a window, I don’t know, just to take a dollar’s worth of change.”
Windows were smashed in each incident. Nothing of value was reported stolen, but loose change and car chargers were taken, according to Westbrook.
Westbrook also advised students to move their cars into the main parking lot where there’s plenty of light. As of Tuesday, Campus Safety has only found one of the three car owners. Once contacted, it’s up to students to file a police report online.
Additionally, two athletic vans and the athletics bus have had auto parts stolen from them on campus. Thefts occurred on Jan. 1, Jan. 14 and Jan. 16, according to Vice President for Athletics Scott Leykam.
No suspects have been identified, nor any evidence suggesting who might be vandalizing these vehicles. Campus Safety will continue their regular patrols.
“Sacrifice convenience for safety,” Westbrook said. “Just walk the extra block or two, especially if you’re not using your car much. If you’re not, park it in the main lot.”
Austin De Dios is the News and Managing Editor of The Beacon. He can be reached at dedios22@up.edu.
