A recent spike in vehicle burglaries at Cal State Long Beach has prompted university officials this week to remind individuals to properly secure their belongings.

Three vehicles were broken into on the same day last month and a fourth was burglarized Wednesday, June 1, officials stated. In each case the vehicle’s window was smashed and personal property was taken, according to a crime alert posted Thursday on CSULB’s website.

The following vehicle break-ins were reported to police:

May 15

Between 4:45PM and 7:30PM a backpack with a computer and tablet inside was taken from a Toyota Highlander located in Parking Lot 14A. The estimated value of the loss, including damage, is $4,125.

Between 4:45PM and 7:30PM, a purse with miscellaneous contents, including debit/credit cards was  taken from a Toyota Corolla parked in Parking Lot 14A. The estimated value of the loss, including damage, is $340.

Between 4:50PM and 7:20PM a purse containing cash, credit cards and other items was taken from a Toyota Corolla located in Parking Structure #1, Level 1. The estimated value of the loss, including damage, is $980.

June 1

Between 3:00PM and 5:45PM, the owner of a Ford Escape parked in Parking Structure #2, Level 1, was robbed of a purse with miscellaneous items. The estimated value of the loss is $257.

“In response to the recent increase in vehicle burglaries on campus, the University Police Department encourages individuals to properly secure their vehicles,” the alert stated. “Do not leave valuable items in your car. If you must leave valuable items in your car, place items out of sight before reaching your destination–or move them conspicuously once you arrive.”

Officials recommend individuals lock items in the glove compartment or vehicle’s trunk to lock all doors and set the car alarm or anti-theft device if equipped with one.

Items most commonly stolen from vehicles include backpacks (empty or otherwise), bags, cash/coins, checkbooks, credit/debit cards, wallets, purses, electronics, jewelry, keys and mail, according to the alert. Owners should etch or permanently inscribe a personal identifier, such as a driver’s license, to be linked to the property.

If you witness any suspicious behavior, please contact UPD Dispatch at 562.985.4101, or if it is a crime in progress or other emergency, dial 9-1-1.

As members of the campus community, please be aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious behavior to the University Police Department immediately, and when it is safe to do so. Suspicious behavior may include the following:

• Persons walking up and down aisles on parking lots or structures – looking into cars or trying door handles.
• Persons making any kind of mark or placing anything ON vehicles (other than parking or law enforcement).
• Persons sitting in running parked cars for long periods of time, and vehicles dropping one person off while continuing to cruise the same area.

If you have any questions or information regarding this alert, please contact the following investigators:
Detective Sgt. Johnny Leyva
562.985.0011,[email protected]
Detective Antonio Maciel
562.985.0018, [email protected]
Detective Christopher Brown
562.985.8938 [email protected]
CSULB Police Department
562.985.4101