Students Speak Out Amidst Car Break-In Spike

The Batman costume in question. Photo Courtesy of Rose Mayer '25

There have been multiple instances of car break-ins on campus during the spring 2024 semester, prompting the Office of Safety and Security to email the entire campus to remind people to lock their vehicles.

Early during the week of Feb. 6, Rose Mayer’s ‘25 vehicle was entered in the Lower Hoop lot behind McCormick Hall.

Upon entering her car after not using it for the day, Mayer was confused when she found that all of her belongings that were previously in the back seat had been moved to the passenger seat. 

Although she claimed the pile of items contained “nothing of value,” she did notice that her clothes had been organized on top of it. 

After making this discovery, Mayer took the story to Security, who informed her that the parking lot had no cameras, and they were unable to obtain a suspect. Since discovering this, she has avoided parking in that lot.

A few days later, Mayer opened her trunk, which she previously had not checked. Inside, she saw what she described as “a clear bag with a bunch of black fabric inside.”

To her surprise, she found a Batman costume, including every accessory, such as gloves, a cape and a belt, but missing a mask.

After asking her friends to see if the costume could belong to them, she was unsuccessful in finding an owner. 

She claimed that the story ended there, with no updates or information being brought to her since. Before this incident, Mayer stated she did not lock all of her car doors. 

Director of Safety and Security John Blaisdell confirmed the details of another student break-in experience. In the early hours of the morning, security officers woke up a student to inform them that their car had been broken into.

Upon entering the Lower Fulton parking lot, the student, who chose to remain anonymous,  discovered their back right window had been broken. Glass shards were scattered along the back seats and floor, and all items in the front compartments had been rummaged through. 

Surprisingly, the student found nothing had been stolen, despite the entering damages. However, they later discovered that their registration and car information had been tampered with and left under the vehicle within a pile of leaves. 

According to the student, another car in the same lot had also been broken into the same night, far from where their car had been parked. 

The student also confirmed that their car had been locked before the incident, and there were no valuable items in the car. 

“I never have anything sitting on the seats, so I don't know why my car was a target,” they said.

The student described the situation as “really weird” and "evil,” considering the amount of damage done, all for nothing to be taken. 

With the recent uptick of break-ins on campus, Blaisdell, along with a few other members of the security department, made a discovery about the disciplinary options of suspects caught for vehicle break-ins. 

According to New York State Law, Blaisdell said that for an incident of a car break-in to be considered a burglary or trespassing, it must have had items stolen or the vehicle damaged. This means charges are unable to be filed if no items were stolen or no damage to the vehicle was found as Blaisdell reports.

Regardless of the law, the Office of Safety and Security strives to find a culprit for all vehicle break-ins committed on campus to provide student victims with proper justice. As always, they remind students to take the necessary precautions to avoid or attempt to avoid a break-in.