Car thefts abound in parking lot

Twenty-one vehicles were broken into during the past week in the University-owned parking lot at 38th and Spruce streets. And nine of the incidents were reported on a single day, according to University Police. Cellular phones, computers and cash were stolen from the vehicles, Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush said. She added, though, that some of the cars with broken windows were not burglarized. The parking lot is reserved for students living in University residences. "It's a little unnerving," said College senior David Barclay, who has parked in the lot for the past four years. "The garage is supposed to be safe, considering we pay a hell of a lot of money to park there." College junior Jennifer Jaye said the rear passenger window of her new Chevy Blazer was smashed while her car was parked in the lot. Although nothing was stolen from the automobile, the window costs approximately $450 dollars to replace. Jaye said she was also upset because it appeared as though someone had searched the contents of the car. Engineering junior Shara Arnofsky said that she did not worry about parking her car in the garage until her friend had a car broken into. The friend's replacement car was also broken into, she said. "I don't feel safe there," Arnofsky said. "I would never walk there alone." Ellen Read, a College senior who transferred from Drexel University, said Drexel parking lots are equipped with video cameras and security guards who check ID for students entering and leaving past 11 p.m. Arnofsky said that without similar surveillance, she thinks there is very little students could do to prevent these crimes from happening. Even if a car alarm went off, there would be no one there to hear it, she said. Victim Support, University Police and Transportation and Parking are currently discussing electronic security options, Rush said. And the Department of Public Safety is sponsoring an outreach program today from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the garage to educate students on protecting themselves from auto-related crimes. Students should not leave any items visible in their cars, and should also report anyone who appears to be wandering around aimlessly in a lot to University Police, Rush said.