There has been an increase in vehicle burglaries on campus this semester, but LSUPD Capt. Ricky Adams said the department is not in panic mode.
Since the beginning of the fall semester, Adams said LSUPD has received reports of seven vehicle burglaries on campus.
Adams said while he was unsure of the exact numbers from last year at this time, he thought the increase was not a “significant” number.
Of the seven vehicles, three had either the doors unlocked or the windows open.
Adams said the burglaries are not concentrated in any particular area on campus or at any particular time of day.
According to the LSUPD blotter, vehicle burglaries have occurred in the Miller Hall parking lot, Lakeshore Drive, Hart Lot and the South Alex Box parking lot.
Adams said most of the burglaries have involved loose property in the vehicles, such as compact discs, cell phones and a television.
Adams said the increase is attributed to more people and vehicles on campus.
Adams said LSUPD is waiting for surveillance cameras to arrive that should help officers spot problem areas.
In addition, Adams said LSUPD officers are collecting evidence, sharing information with local law enforcement officials and doing proactive patrols to increase law enforcement visibility.
Students had various opinions about the campus vehicle burglaries.
Jay Boyd, an international studies freshman, said he usually parks his car in one of the commuter lots. Boyd said he tries to keep his loose belongings in his vehicle out of view.
But, Boyd said he thought LSUPD could do more to prevent the burglaries.
“I think they could drive around the parking lots and patrol a little more,” he said.
Sadie Broussard, an English literature senior, said she usually parks in the commuter lot near CEBA. She said she thought it was difficult for LSUPD to constantly monitor the parking lots.
“There’s so many vehicles and so many people on campus, it’s almost like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Broussard said.
Adams said there are several things students and faculty can do to prevent their vehicles from being burglarized.
Adams suggests people should secure their vehicles by locking doors and closing windows when they leave their vehicles.
In addition, he said people should try to make sure loose items such as CD’s and cell phones are out of sight.
Adams said people also should report any suspicious activity, people or vehicles to LSUPD.