On Wednesday, Jan. 18, several Augusta University students were victims of theft and unlawful entrance to their vehicles, while one automobile was stolen entirely.
In AU Parking Lot 1, near Elm and Oak Hall, a few students reported to campus police items missing from their vehicles.
Between the hours of 7 p.m., on Jan. 17, and 2:23 p.m. the following day, a 2012 white Kia Optima was stolen from student Kaygwynn Gentle. According to Gentle, she left keys in the center console area of her vehicle after parking it the night before.
“Several other Elm Hall residents approached me stating their vehicles had been entered, and various items had been stolen,” reported officer Rodriguez Washington of Augusta University. “None of the other residents wanted to make a police report at the time.”
Capt. Eric “Harry” Smith, from the university’s police department, said these “crimes of opportunity” were rare for either of AU’s campuses.
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“There were no smashed windows or anything like that. This was a case where people left their cars unlocked,” said Smith. “Interestingly enough … over the last year we’ve only had 11 reports of people having their cars broken into.”
While Smith said he did not want to overlook victims’ possible trauma or feelings, he also explained his happiness at the knowledge of neither campus truly having much crime.
“We really urge people to lock their cars, and also make sure you’re not leaving any valuables in their car – especially things that are visible,” he said.
Victim Veronika Macias said she found her car’s center-console storage area open with her pain medication moved. After noticing her vehicle unlocked and searched, Macias called police and waited to fill out a report.
“According to Macias, she was stopped by an AUPD officer that same night who was attempting to inquire about a man with a ski mask reported to be in the area,” said Washington.
Victim Sarah Michelle Hemphill had a $20 – $25 auxiliary cord stolen from her vehicle, and noticed evidence left behind at the scene.
““Hemphill states she arrived at her vehicle and noticed her vehicle had been rummaged through,” said officer Rebecca Saunders. “Hemphill stated the glove box was open and the contents (brown and pink bag) had been gone through.”
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Hemphill found fingerprints and a brown hair clip that were collected for further analysis.
Following the aftermath of such robberies, police also found a stolen bicycle at the scene that is believed to belong to the perpetrator who fled the scene in Gentle’s car.
On Jan. 20, in a parking lot near the Health Science Campus, Gentle’s car was recovered and returned to her.
In addition to not leaving one’s valuables in cars, Smith said students should not leave items of identification in their vehicle because it makes them more susceptible to identity theft. He also said students, faculty and parents should try to park in well-lit, high-trafficked areas when possible, because such factors will make their vehicles less likely to be targeted.
“We don’t know the identity of the suspect at this time,” he said.
As many cases are ongoing investigations, no more information will be released about the cases at this time. To report any information to Augusta University police, call (706) 721-2911.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
