Car burglaries still pose threat on campus

Recent car burglaries at ASU are causing campus police to step up patrols, while pushing students to be aware of their surroundings.

There have been two car burglaries this year, both in residential parking lots," Chief of Police James Adams said.

"Most items taken were items such as cash, cell phones, and wallets along with other small items within the vehicle," Adams said

The two burglaries happened in the Robert Massie parking lot on Jan. 19 between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m., Adams said.

Typically, car burglaries are committed due to unlocked cars.

The two cars broken into were locked and the burglars managed to enter the car unnoticed, Adams said.

Even if the doors are locked, these criminals have specialized tools that may take only a few seconds to unlock the door, Adams said. "They're going to walk through the parking lots, they're going to look for items lying [in cars] and once they see it they're going to go for it," he said. "If they walk past a car, see that it's locked and can't see anything in there that they could get quickly, chances are that they are going to move onto something else."

The thefts have no specific pattern and aren't targeting specific vehicles, but the cars burglarized had property inside that was easily seen by passers, Adams said.

"If a person enters a car with the intent to commit a theft, it is considered burglary of a motor vehicle," Adams said.

Even if property isn't stolen, the intruders can still be arrested and convicted for burglary.

"This is not just a campus issue and students need to be aware of that," Adams said. "Getting the word out to people is the most important thing."

Police have increased patrols in parking lots and they are working with city police to follow up on some leads, Adams said.

"We are using every investigative tool we have to come up with leads," Adams said. "We are asking students to be vigilant."

Make sure the doors are locked, all valuables are out, and immediately report anything suspicious, Adams said.

There is a $500 reward for valuable information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect involved in the car burglaries, Adams said.

"If you see any suspicious activity such as somebody walking around looking into cars, trying to open car doors, or just sitting in a car for an extended period of time, report it to the police," Adams said.

Students can call the 24 hour tip line at 325-942-ACTT (2288). Students with emergencies should contact the campus police directly at 325-942-2071.