EPCC Police are investigating a series of vehicle burglaries that
occurred on Feb.14, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. at the Valle Verde
campus. Five vehicles were vandalized, including a Ford F-150 pickup,
a Ford Mustang, and a Dodge Neon.
In four of the cases, stereos were taken from the vehicles. The burglaries
occurred in the I and J parking sections. A campus security alert
was issued to all EPCC employees to inform students of the recent
events.
To
help ensure your car is not a target for auto thieves, police advise
you to be sure your car is locked after parking on any EPCC lot. Police
have reported a rash of burglaries in recent weeks.
Photo
by Jose Eleazar Gudiño
The
investigation is still underway and EPCC Police Chief, J.R. Grijalva
is asking anyone that witnesses suspicious activity to please call
the Police dispatcher at 831- 2200.
Here is a list of safety tips that might prevent your car from being
burglarized: Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even for quick
errands.
Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into the car.
Close all windows, including vent or wing windows and sunroofs.
Remove items (purses, tapes, CD’s, books, cash, etc.) from the
vehicle when possible.
If you can’t take them out, put them in a place that is out
of view (in the trunk or tool box).
Remove “pull-out” style stereos and/or removable faceplates
of stereos. (If vehicle is so equipped).
Buy an alarm and use it.
Many
people believe that alarms no longer make a difference; however, they
do remain an effective deterrent to a burglar.
Criminals have a tendency to choose the easiest target. If they have
two cars to choose from – one with an alarm or one without –
they will usually burglarize the one without.
