Several Spring Hill College students have recently been the victims of car break-ins across campus. While the burglars have yet to be caught, SHC faculty and staff are working towards preventing any more.
In the past three weeks, there have been two separate incidents of multi-car break-ins. The first in the Stewartfield parking lot, and the second in the back of New Hall’s parking lot near the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center. In both incidents, the cars’ windows were shattered and students’ belongings were stolen.
It appears that the burglars are targeting cars with purses or other valuables visible in the car. SHC sophomore Rebeca Cortes says that she will be extra cautious when leaving her car unattended after the recent break-ins. Cortes says, “I will always make sure to lock my car and bring my purse with me wherever I go, even if I will not be gone for long.”
Although these burglaries have some SHC students concerned, the director of Public Safety, Todd Warren, states that Public Safety and the campus police are patrolling in order to ensure safety around campus. Warren also acknowledges that these burglaries are not just happening on SHC’s campus, but seem to be a trend in the greater Mobile and Baldwin county areas. Warren suspects that the break-ins on SHC’s campus are most likely connected to the ones outside of our community.
With the burglaries occurring near the campus’ entrances, Warren’s theory may hold true. For those that frequently park near the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center, at Stewartfield and at the Skips Viragh Complex, it is advised that students hide their valuables, bring their keys and lock their cars.
Many students, though, have wondered if lack of lighting in these areas is to blame and not proximity to the entrances. This is a concern that SHC’s Student Government Association talked about in their latest meeting. SGA secretary of campus life, Adam Schmitt, discussed the steps they are taking to help ensure safety on campus. Schmitt said, “The school has taken several steps to prevent future break-ins. They improved lighting by Stewartfield, Public Safety officers have been doing more patrolling on a nightly basis and administrators have been advising students to make sure to not leave valuables in their cars, which makes automobiles a prime target.” Furthermore, SHC’s maintenance crew is working hard to make sure all lights are working in these darker areas of campus.
Finally, Warren is calling for SHC students to help keep the campus safe. Warren explained, “You guys have eyes that we don’t, so if you see something, say something.”
For any students looking to report suspicious activities, call Public Safety at (251) 380-4444.
