UVM reports rise in campus thefts and break-ins

BURLINGTON – University of Vermont Police have received an increase in reports of break-ins and burglary over the past three weeks.

Theft of laboratory equipment, tools and computers were reported on campus in late June. Additional incidents have occurred into early July.

Enrique Corredera, a UVM spokesperson, said the thefts are crimes of opportunity where doors were propped open or a building was open to the public. There is also indication of drugs being a motivator in some of the incidents.

“We had a timely and effective police response resulting in several arrests and several other individuals identified as responsible,” Corredera wrote in an email.

On June 25, two laptops and laboratory equipment were stolen. The computers were later recovered in New York state by UVM Police.

Two days later, a wallet was stolen from a locker in the Waterman building, and credit cards taken were used for purchases in Burlington. Following an investigation, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Later that week, attempted vehicle break-ins were reported in two parking lots.

On July 4, an officer witnessed the theft of a bicycle and an attempt to steal a second, but was unable to stop the two male suspects. One has been found and issued a trespass notice, and police are still seeking the other suspect.

On July 6, two males were reported attempting to break into an office in Patrick Gymnasium, but fled the scene after an employee saw them.

Earlier this week, two additional incidents were reported on campus. On Monday, doors inside Discovery Hall were found to be damaged in a possible attempt to forcibly enter rooms holding electronics. The next day, a laptop was reported stolen from an office in the Waterman Building.

The forced entry attempts and laptop theft remain under investigation by UVM Police.

Officials say the university is continuing to use security cameras, which were helpful in solving several of the incidents, and educational efforts around campus security and public safety are ongoing.

Corredera said the increase in theft and break-ins during the summer is unusual.

“It happens on occasions when someone may feel they can target UVM — like they can target any location — before they get a response that is as comprehensive and robust as UVM’s,” he said.

UVM Police is asking members of the campus community to take extra precautions, including double checking that equipment is securely stored, doors and windows are locked, and items are not left unattended in insecure areas.

Anyone with information regarding the recent incidents is encouraged to call UVM Police at (802) 656-3473.

Read the story on VTDigger here: UVM reports rise in campus thefts and break-ins.