By Olesya Minina

Contributing Writer

On Sept. 3 and 4, two on-campus thefts of car radios from motor vehicles were reported. The incidents occurred in the Gateway parking lot, and a number of additional reports were made elsewhere.

The Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are currently investigating all aspects of the thefts and will continue to take these matters seriously.

“We have had no auto thefts on campus or in the area, we have had thefts from motor vehicles. In other words, thefts of items left in the open, inside of a vehicle,” said Jason Friedberg, Chief of Public Safety.

Victims stated that their cars were locked but found their stereos removed when they returned, with no signs of forced entry. No other damage was done and no other interior items or valuables were reported stolen or missing.

Hayden Yancey ’14, who lives in the Gateways, said he feels “extremely safe on campus and that people just need to be smarter about making sure their cars are locked.”  Students should “park in a safe, well-lit area that is easily observable,” he said.

The Department of Public Safety also recommends that students should “secure all items of value in the glove compartment, center console or trunk and to make sure the valuables are not visible from the outside.” Students are also reminded to take preventative measures when parking and leaving a vehicle.

Simple strategies to help prevent automobile theft crimes also include being on the lookout for suspicious activity, making sure windows are rolled all the way up, engraving your property with your name or driver’s license and making a list of the serial numbers of your property.

The Department of Public Safety will continue to investigate and keep a close eye on areas where incidents have occurred.

“There are no further updates or information on any of the cases, but the Department of Public Safety will continue to provide information and updates about the case as necessary,” Friedberg said.

If you have been a victim or witness to any suspicious activity or have any information that might be helpful in this case, contact Public Safety or the police immediately. You can contact Public Safety at (570) 577-3333, in person at the Public Safety Building, by email at [email protected] or anonymously at http://www.bucknell.edu/x6442.xml.

The Department of Public Safety has also provided information on additional topics, including “theft from motor vehicle” that can be reviewed and accessed at http://www.bucknell.edu/x39756.xml and there is an informative video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHzDLH9daoo.