Dear UMBC Community,
You may have seen yesterday’s crime alert from UMBC Police regarding a motor vehicle theft that occurred at the Walker Avenue Garage. Some of you may also recall that we experienced a period of increased vehicle theft activity earlier this year.
Steering wheel locks are a known deterrent to vehicle theft. UMBC Police is continuing to make locks available free of charge; any member of the campus community with university identification may obtain a lock by visiting the police station at any time.
In addition, UMBC Police is continuing to take measures to prevent vehicle thefts, including:
- Utilizing increased patrols of parking garages and lots, as well as other parking spaces around campus, including around residence halls;
- Conducting frequent, random checks of targeted areas in the afternoon, evening, and early morning hours;
- Utilizing a private security company to provide additional vehicle patrols, enhancing our existing security practices; and,
- Installing additional security cameras to assist in deterring, as well as documenting, any crimes in all three parking garages.
As always, we remind you to secure your vehicles by locking them and to avoid leaving valuables such as backpacks, purses, wallets, laptops and other electronics, and loose change inside. We also ask you to remain vigilant and attentive to your surroundings and promptly report suspicious activity to UMBC Police by calling 410-455-5555.
Again, the safety and security of our campus community is our highest priority. Thank you for your part in helping us deter and prevent further incidents of theft.
Sincerely,
Bruce Perry ’97
UMBC Chief of Police
