By: Samantha Coma
A wave of car burglaries in nearby Oak Park has prompted Dominican students to reflect on how safe their vehicles are on campus.
Burglaries hit nearly 30 vehicles at The Avenue Parking Garage on 720 North Blvd., in an overnight attack last month, according to local news reports.
“The Local police thought that the burglars might hit River Forest next, so they alerted Dominican University,” Martin Grill, Police Patrol Commander, stated.
Sasha Santiago, director of campus safety, sent out an email warning the community. Fortunately, Dominican University had been spared.
Dominican University was ultimately not targeted in the serial burglaries, but it raises the question about how safe vehicles on campus are.
“Since then, another email has yet to come out regarding burglaries, so for now I think there shouldn’t be much to worry about,”
Commuter Student Association President Natalia Tafolla-Valencia said. “However, I think students should still take proper precautions.”
Sophomore Adnana Camacho expresses her worries,
“For the most part, yes, because I make sure to lock it every time before leaving it. I would say right now I’m a bit more worried that my car might get scratched or hit by another car.”
However, police warned students to be aware of safety procedures and resources.
If students see or hear something, they should say something, Grill said. They can always reach out to the River Forest Police Department; an officer will investigate. For valuables, the rule of thumb is simple: out of sight, out of mind. Keep items hidden or avoid leaving them in the vehicle.
“Usually car burglaries are not personal burglaries… they’re after stuff, not after you,” he said. If students are worried about their safety, they have options.
“They can call security; they can always call us and say, ‘ Hey, I need to walk to my car. Can somebody come over?’ We’ll come over, might have to wait a minute… we’ll always come, we’ll never say no,” Grill said.
Dominican students also can pick up a free steering wheel lock at the police department. Supplies are limited; those who are seeking vehicle security devices can request one, Grill said.
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