by BRANDI ORTIZ//News Editor
After multiple vehicle break-ins on the Levelland campus, South Plains College Campus Police are advising students to take precautions to help keep their belongings safe.
On Sept. 9, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., one student’s truck was broken into and another vehicle was stolen. The vehicle stolen was a silver 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer with a Utah license plate. The theft, which took place in the parking lot of the Smallwood Apartments on the Levelland campus, is currently under investigation.
According to SPC Alerts, suspects involved in the incident are described as “a slender white male wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a red ball cap.” Another suspect was described as “a white female wearing white sunglasses, cowboy boots and a white tank top.” The two suspects were driving a red Honda Fit. Any person with information should contact the SPC Campus police at (806) 716-2396.
Chief Nickolis Castillo, director of Campus Police at SPC, said he believes that the suspects would not have broken a window if it had not been for expensive items visible inside the vehicle.
“I advise that either hide, or, preferably, remove any valuable items,” said Castillo. “Because, a lot of times, [the vehicle] is where thieves will look. They look into cars and they will see something they like and break in. They may not be willing to break in a window if they don’t think they are going to get anything.”
Students who live on campus or park their vehicles on campus need to remember to keep their personal belongings locked and safe at all times. If anything appears odd or out of the ordinary, of if a student or faculty member feels unsafe, SPC Campus Police are more than willing to escort you to your vehicle.
At night, always remember to have safety and security supplies readily accessible. Taking a few safety precautions can help you feel more protected. A simple canister of pepper spray or mace can, usually, be purchased at gas stations or any convenience store.
One main tip to remember is to always lock your doors! Campus dorm rooms may seem safe because of the constant surrounding of friends and staff, but the simple act of propping open your dorm room door can turn into a burglary.
Keeping a spare key in or around your vehicle can also make it easier for anybody wanting to break into your vehicle. Always try to keep your keys on you, or give a trusted friend a spare key.
College can be an incredible and rewarding experience. But while you are trying to keep up with all the new classes and friends, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your belongings.
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