On-campus car prowlings are on the rise and have been a problem for staff and students alike.
In the first month of the 2018-19 school year, SFCC has had seven car prowlings reported. During the 2017-18 school year, only five were reported.
When Ken DeMello, the director of the Office of Campus Safety and Security here at SFCC, was interviewed about the recent car prowlings on campus.
“A vehicle prowler is someone who enters a vehicle unlawfully to commit a crime,” DeMello said.
“Car prowlings are simply crimes of opportunity,” DeMello said. “Every single car prowling has occurred because they’ve gotten into a car to take a particular item that is visible and of value.
These items range from laptops, purses, and backpacks to iPods and debit or credit cards left in view or on the seat.
Campus security also recently added a new device that has license plate recognition to help aid in squelching crime, DeMello said in a recent ASG meeting.
Sarah Peterson, a second-year SFCC student said although she had not fallen victim to car prowlers, she felt that, “students should be made aware of this issue.”
“I think they should put up security cameras and more signs in the parking lot,” she said.
Car prowlings don’t just occur on campus. They are occurring throughout all of Spokane County.
Deputy David Morris, who is the Crime Prevention Deputy for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said, “This is a big problem everywhere.”
Morris agreed that car prowlings are crimes of opportunity.
“Make sure you keep your car doors locked and all items out of sight,” he said. “Park in well-lit areas or in areas with a lot of activity,”
Morris said Spokane County deputies and Spokane police no longer respond to car prowlings.
“However you should report these car prowlings, to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233,” Morris said. “If this occurs in the county, a S.C.O.P.E. volunteer can come out to take fingerprints.”
So, just what can you do to protect yourself
from being a car prowling victim?
· Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
· Keep your windows closed.
· Before you walk away from your car, make sure it is locked and all items are out of sight.
· Park in well-lighted areas.
· Park in high-traffic areas, not in secluded areas.
· Do not leave laptops, purses, backpacks, diaper bags, cell phone chargers, or even small amounts of change in view.
If you find yourself a victim of a car prowling, make sure to report this to Director DeMello or any one of the campus safety officers, who can be located in building 17. You can call their office at (509) 533-3333. You should also make sure to call Crime Check to make a report, as well.