Car thefts abound in area lots

Eight cars in the University parking garage at 34th and Chestnut streets were broken into Friday, according to University Police. And in another rash of car break-ins, four cars were broken into Monday at the University parking garage at 38th and Spruce streets, University Police Sergeant Keith Christian said. No valuables were taken. Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush said that in the 34th and Chestnut street lot, the cars' windows were broken and various items were taken -- including mobile telephones, coins and assorted personal items. University Police detectives said they had no leads on either of the cases. Still, the Victim Support Crime Prevention Unit is making an effort to better inform the public about the dangers of parking lots. They will be distributing auto theft prevention literature at the garage at 34th and Chestnut streets between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. tomorrow. Christian said that the garage at 34th and Chestnut streets is no more of a target for auto theft than any other campus lots. Rush warned that people parking in garages or lots should not leave any valuables in plain view. And if they do have valuables with them, they should be secured in the trunk prior to arriving at the destination, Rush added. "Leave it in car showroom condition," she said. Victim Support also advises that motorists know the exact location of blue light phones and park under a light if returning to a car at night. Other parking lots across campus are no stranger to crime as well. The private parking lot at 34th and Chestnut streets, located across the street from the University lot that was ravaged Friday, has been the scene of some serious crimes in recent years. On Oct. 21, 1993, a College of General Studies student was abducted as she was walking to her car at the lot at about 9:50 p.m. She was then carjacked, robbed, raped and shot in the face. And in September 1994, a woman was sexually assaulted and nearly raped as she walked to her car at the parking lot at 34th and Chestnut streets.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.