Jan. 31, 2003

Contact: Captain B. Weimer

 Office (573) 882-5923

 Cellular (573) 999-1979

Around 6:20 a.m. on Jan. 30, 2003, the University of Missouri-Columbia Police Department was notified of vehicles that had been broken into in University Lot WG1.  Officers responded to this lot and other lots across campus looking for suspects and other vehicles that may have been broken into.

Twenty-six vehicles had been broken into in four lots on the University of Missouri Campus. These lots were located near residence halls or were student commuter lots.  Detectives from MUPD are collecting evidence and victim statements in order to establish suspect information and a timeline of events.

Around 4 a.m. a student in one of the residence halls, after hearing a car alarm, observed four individuals getting into a light blue colored vehicle and leaving University Lot WG1.  These individuals are not suspects at this time.

MUPD encourages students, faculty, and staff to check their vehicles for signs of criminal activity.  If damage is located or items are missing from the vehicle, contact MUPD at 573-882-7201.

MUPD reminds you that anyone can become the victim of crime but offers the following tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle break-ins:

• Park in well lit areas where your vehicle is visible to others.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle.
• Consider car alarms or other theft deterrent devices.
• Check your vehicle daily for potential damage or criminal activity.
• Notify the police department if you observe suspicious activity in parking lots.

Anyone with information on the above individuals or these crimes is encouraged to call Detective Papineau at 884-3721 or Crime Stoppers at 875-TIPS.

MUPD 2-2003