Several automobile burglaries and parts thefts occurred over a range of locations, a Stanford University Department of Public Safety (SUDPS) alert reported Thursday afternoon.
The burglaries occurred at Wilbur Parking Lot, Governor’s Corner Parking Lot, 955 Mears Court and 500 Block Lane W between Oct. 23, 2023 and Jan. 12, 2024. The incidents mostly occurred during the evening and overnight hours, between 3 p.m. and 9 a.m., according to the AlertSU.
The perpetrators stole mainly from Toyota automobiles as well as Prius, Yarius and Corolla models, the notification stated. Catalytic converters, hybrid batteries, bumpers and wheels were reported to have been stolen.
There is currently no suspect information available, according to the AlertSU.
These crimes reflect a larger trend in increased reported crimes on campus, including increased vehicle theft and burglaries. The Bay Area and many other parts of California have seen a rise in vehicle thefts — with many burglars targeting valuable catalytic converters, shortages have caused months-long backorders for victims waiting for replacements.
California lawmakers hope to deter these thefts with a new Assembly bill that, as of this year, imposes stricter punishment for the theft or illegal, unlicensed dismantling of automobiles.
SUDPS recommended community members keep their car doors and windows locked, with valuables out of view. The alert also encouraged students to report suspicious activity and behavior, such as loitering around vehicles, trying door handles or peering into vehicles.
The Daily has reached out to SUDPS for comment.
