The Wright State University Police Department (WSUPD) released a campus notice informing all commuters and domestic students that a car was stolen from WSU. The theft occurred between Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. After the alert, students were instructed by the WSUPD to enact proficient safety precautions to keep their vehicles and belongings safe.
Police department report
The WSUPD responded to the motor vehicle theft on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5:22 p.m. An Honors Hall resident reported their vehicle missing from the lot where they left it parked outside their dorm.
The stolen vehicle was a Red Kia Soul. It was reported to be unlocked at the time of the crime. It was noted that this theft happened in the timeframe between Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 5 a.m.
To prevent similar events in the future, WSUPD provided personal safety and theft prevention guidelines.
They mentioned that students should always keep their personal belongings in safe places, and out of plain sight where unknown individuals cannot easily access them. WSUPD reminds students that no one’s property should be left unattended.
The department also mentions that if there are any signs of misconduct or suspicious activity, they should be reported to the Department of Public Safety. Their number is 937-775-211 and email is wsupolice@wright.edu.
Their location is 108 Allyn Hall.
WSU student opinions
After receiving the news, WSU students have kept the same practices as before they were aware of what had transpired at the end of October.
When asked if students feel as though their cars are safe on campus, most generally felt safe about the matter.
Students were also asked what practices they perform to keep their vehicles safe. The general answer given was that they only locked their car doors.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned putting air tags on their vehicle and parking under campus cameras.
“Well, I'll try to park near a camera or like under a streetlight [when] I can. You know, just try not to leave any valuables inside. That way if they just like steal something, then I just lost my car and not both things,” the student said. "I have an air tag on my car."
The student also mentioned that the air tag was paired with a tracker app, allowing them to know where their vehicle is at all times.
Sydney Sampson, another WSU student, shared her feeling that it depends on the location at which one parks, and her personal safety practices.
“My car is sometimes safe on campus, depending on where I park. If I park in the Woods, I do not feel safe,” Sampson said. "I always lock my car door; I always park in areas that I know campus police usually patrols.”
Chelsea Phillips, WSU student and Raider Mart staff member, feels like her car is safe where she usually parks.
“Personally, I feel like my car is safe. But that is only because the police know my car, and I am a staff member, basically like a third party. You know we have a closer relationship with the police, they would recognize my car. And my area is like out in the open, it's not really concealed. It's not in a huge river of other cars like where someone can hide,” Phillips said.
WSU students are encouraged to keep items of importance in safe-guarded locations, lock their cars and stay vigilant.
