Officers suggest crime prevention measures for cars

By VERA N. KLINKOWSKY
Collegian Staff Writer

When Dawn Mulberger left Pattee one evening, she found her car burglarized -- and Mulberger is not alone.

Mulberger (graduate-college student personnel) said someone stole $150 from underneath her car's seat.

Car burglaries are more common than many may think. In 1994, 13 stereos, 35 student and 37 staff parking permits were stolen, according to University Police Services records.

Break-ins are most common in Parking Lot 83 North and Parking Lot 44, said Don Reed, a University police crime prevention officer.

Last semester five cars were broken into during a one-to-two day time span while parked in Lot 83 North, Reed said.

"The active time for break-ins is during the Fall Semester before it gets chilly at night and end of the semester before everyone leaves town," Reed said.

David Peacock, station manager of Enviroteq, 2610-D Clyde Ave., also knows what its like to have his car broken into. A camera worth $149 and a leather billfold were taken from his car seat and floor.

However, there are ways people can protect their cars.

"I'd recommend buying cassette players that can be removed, removing the stereo face plate and putting your radar detector in the glove box," Reed said.

People should remove decals for stereo systems because they attract attention, he said. Drivers should also park their vehicles in crowded areas, he said.

Mulberger also took prevention measures after someone broke into her car. She purchased a new car with automatic windows and a door lock -- provisions she thinks minimizes the crime.

Although prevention methods exist, incidents still occur frequently in this area. The number of break-ins in State College, College Township and Harris Township have increased from 204 incidents in 1993 to 241 incidents in 1994, according to State College police records.

"A significant number of reports of auto theft are misplaced vehicles," said Lt. Carmine Prestia of the State College Police Department.

Prestia said he believes these incidents can be prevented by locking the doors and using the a devise to lock the steering wheel or an alarm system. He also suggested parking where the area is secure, well lit and heavily traveled.

"Make it difficult, time consuming, attention getting --more than a thief is willing to contend with," Prestia said.

Jamie Moore (junior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management) now takes precautions because his car was broken into and his stereo was stolen.

"I bought a pullout stereo. I park in the same place and make sure my doors are locked," he said.

Ensuring car doors are locked is not the only way drivers can protect their cars. Motorists whose cars are stolen should know their license plate number and vehicle identification number, Prestia said. He added that when a stereo is stolen, motorists should know the brand, serial number and components.