2008 Woodie Awards
Auto larcenies on the rise around campus
Rachel Meacham
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: College News
The rate of auto larcenies is on the rise around the Indianapolis area and IUPUI's campus is no exception. Between Jan. 1, and the beginning of March, police reported 47 vehicle break-ins around campus. In the same time frame last year, there were 10.
"People are breaking out windows and they're taking anything of value," Indiana University Police Officer Bill Abston said.
He said the larcenies have occurred mainly between 8 a.m. and the late afternoon. Abston said the locations of the thefts have varied in about 16 different locations around campus. The last time IUPUI saw an increase in auto larcenies, it was in the garages. This time they are mainly in surface parking lots.
"They're easier in and easier out," Abston said,
He said global positioning systems (GPS) have been a popular target for these crimes.
"For the most part they have been things that could be easily grabbed," Abston said.
Student Joey Carr, 19, had a piece of his dashboard and his radio stolen from his car while on campus for a class and advising appointment. He arrived on campus at 9 a.m. and returned to his vehicle - which he parked in the garage on Blackford Street - around 11:30 a.m.
"When I got in my car, I realized the passenger window had been busted out and the radio was gone," Carr said.
He said the value of his radio was more than $500, including the warranty, installation fee and installation parts. Carr said he called the campus police for assistance. Officer Herbie Coomer responded quickly.
"He was very professional, helpful and friendly," Carr said.
Before the incident, he said he locked his car only to protect his belongings, but now takes a few more precautions.
"I keep all my valuables with me when I leave my car, and I have a piece of junk radio," Carr said.
Student Sriharsha Muttineni, 20, was also parked in the Blackford Street garage the day he had his GPS unit and iPod Shuffle stolen from his vehicle. He said the items were worth $180, but the broken window cost him $200.
"People are breaking out windows and they're taking anything of value," Indiana University Police Officer Bill Abston said.
He said the larcenies have occurred mainly between 8 a.m. and the late afternoon. Abston said the locations of the thefts have varied in about 16 different locations around campus. The last time IUPUI saw an increase in auto larcenies, it was in the garages. This time they are mainly in surface parking lots.
"They're easier in and easier out," Abston said,
He said global positioning systems (GPS) have been a popular target for these crimes.
"For the most part they have been things that could be easily grabbed," Abston said.
Student Joey Carr, 19, had a piece of his dashboard and his radio stolen from his car while on campus for a class and advising appointment. He arrived on campus at 9 a.m. and returned to his vehicle - which he parked in the garage on Blackford Street - around 11:30 a.m.
"When I got in my car, I realized the passenger window had been busted out and the radio was gone," Carr said.
He said the value of his radio was more than $500, including the warranty, installation fee and installation parts. Carr said he called the campus police for assistance. Officer Herbie Coomer responded quickly.
"He was very professional, helpful and friendly," Carr said.
Before the incident, he said he locked his car only to protect his belongings, but now takes a few more precautions.
"I keep all my valuables with me when I leave my car, and I have a piece of junk radio," Carr said.
Student Sriharsha Muttineni, 20, was also parked in the Blackford Street garage the day he had his GPS unit and iPod Shuffle stolen from his vehicle. He said the items were worth $180, but the broken window cost him $200.
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