On Thursday afternoon, a Stanford University Department of Public Safety (SUDPS) alert reported multiple car burglaries and parts thefts at various locations.
The robberies occurred from October 23, 2023 to January 12, 2024 at the Wilbur Parking Lot, Governor’s Corner Parking Lot, 955 Mears Court, 500 Block Lane W. The incidents mainly occurred in the evening and at night, between 3pm and 9am. According to AlertSU, in the morning.
According to the indictment, the culprits primarily stole Toyotas, as well as other models such as Priuses, Yaris, and Corollas. The catalytic converter, hybrid battery, bumper and wheels were reported stolen.
According to AlertSU, there is no suspicious information at this time.
These crimes reflect an increasing trend in reported crimes on campus, including an increase in vehicle thefts and robberies. Vehicle thefts are on the rise in the Bay Area and many other parts of California. Many robberies target valuable catalytic converters, with shortages resulting in months-long backlogs for victims as they wait for replacements.
California lawmakers hope to stop such thefts with a new legislative bill that would impose tougher penalties for vehicle theft and illegal unauthorized dismantling starting this year.
SUDPS encourages community members to keep their vehicle doors and windows locked and valuables out of sight. The alert also encouraged students to report suspicious activity or behavior, such as loitering around vehicles, trying door handles or peering into vehicles.
The Daily has contacted SUDPS for comment.