The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in obtaining leads or other information that may lead to the identification of those responsible for auto thefts and auto prowls/burglaries that occurred in campus parking lots this past week.
These crimes of opportunity can happen anytime during the day or night, and can be completed in a minute or less. Unfortunately, these crimes are on the rise throughout Santa Cruz County.
The following incidents were reported to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department:
- November 2, auto prowl (15-1177) -- A motorcycle permit was stolen during an unknown time frame from the Core West Parking Structure.
- November 7, auto burglary (15-1175) -- A backpack, laptop, library books, and parka were taken between 6 and 11 p.m. from the East Remote Parking Lot.
- November 10, auto theft (15-1183) -- A 2005 Ford Crown Victoria was stolen from the East Remote Parking Lot between 9 p.m. November 7 and 8 p.m. November 10.
- November 10, auto burglary (15-1186) -- A duffel bag full of clothes was taken between 2 and 11:30 p.m. from the East Remote Parking Lot.
- November 10, auto burglary (15-1193) -- Two radiator coolant bottles were taken during an unknown time frame from a vehicle's trunk while it was parked in the East Remote Parking Lot.
- November 13, auto theft (15-1196) -- A 1978 Datsun was stolen from the West Remote Parking Lot between 10 p.m. November 9 and 5 p.m. November 13.
Also, officers also responded on November 12 to two separate calls of suspicious people in the East Remote Parking Lot and the Merrill College Parking Lot, No. 119. Officers responded at 8:25 a.m. to a report of two white males looking into vehicles in the East Remote Parking Lot. They were described as being between 35 and 45 years old with close trimmed beards and short brown hair. Officers were unable to locate the two men.
The second call involved a white male in the Merrill College Parking Lot, No. 119. The man was described as being between 20 and 30 years old, wearing a black fedora, black coat and blue jeans carrying a black backpack, and may have had a slim jim tool. Officers were unable to locate the individual.
We have increased patrols throughout the campus parking lots, but we need your help. Anyone who may be a witness or has information regarding these crimes or reported suspicious individuals is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231, ext. 1.
Report all suspicious persons, in-progress crimes, and emergencies by calling 911.
Safety Tips
No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.
- Never leave valuables, including bags, purses, wallets, laptops, cell phones or anything that may appear valuable in plain view.
- Hide chargers and accessories that indicate GPS, cell phones or other devices may be hidden in your vehicle.
- Use a mechanical locking device such as a club that locks the steering wheel, column or brake.
- If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911. Immediately report all crimes, suspicious people, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
- Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
- Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
- Use the Night Safety Escort Program, Monday through Thursday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling 831-459-2231. More information can be found online.
Campus Resources
For students, a range of support services is also available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services. More information can be found online.
For student and employees, the Office of Harassment and Discrimination, Prevention and Investigation Unit can provide assistance and can be reached at 831-459-2462.
For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support. More information can be found online.
Confidential Victim Advocate resources can be obtained through the CARE program, can be reached at 831-502-CARE (2273).
This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
