A string of vehicle break-ins in University of Wisconsin parking lots since April 15 has lead the UW Police Department to issue an alert advising motorists who park on campus to be extra cautious.
More than 10 break-ins have occurred in Lot 46 at 301 N. Lake St. and Lot 83 at 314 N. Frances St., according to UWPD Sgt. Jason Whitney. Items including a handgun, portable electronics and cash have been stolen, although not all cars broken into have been burglarized.
“It’s definitely an increase in break-ins, concentrated in those two areas,” Whitney said. “We do see break-ins happen across campus, but not to the extent we have seen in these two lots.”
Whitney said police are advising motorists to park in more visible areas in the ramp, adding valuables should not be left unattended in vehicles, especially in plain view.
According to UW Transportation Administrator Gordon Graham, an e-mail was sent to permit holders at both lots to warn them of the recent break-ins.
While UWPD has increased the number of patrols at the lots this month due to the thefts, Graham said both have been subject to increased surveillance since last fall.
“We have probably more police calls to Lot 46 than all of the rest of the parking lots on campus,” Graham said. “It has a bit of a history going back many years — folks selling drugs, selling alcohol to underage students. Starting last fall we contracted for an additional 20 hours a week of UWPD security.”
Because Lot 3 is the closest to Lot 46, Graham said the extra security was partially allotted there as well so the illegal practices did not simply move down the street.
“We’ve not had what I would call severe problems in 46 or 83, just the drinking (and) drugs behavior-related problems. Now with these break-ins it’s taken it to another level,” Graham said. “We’re very concerned about it and monitoring it closely.”
Whitney said each of the break-ins were reported by the vehicles’ owners and there are no suspects or leads at this time.
Anyone with information is invited to call UWPD at 262-COPS or the Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 266-6014.
