The La Cuesta Inn saw seven incoming Cal Poly freshmen and their families have a different experience than the rest this morning when they awoke to find their vehicles burglarized.
Front desk clerk Nichole Leahy dealt with guests, one-by-one, as each family discovered smashed windows and missing belongings, she said.
“They were pretty upset,” Leahy said. “Parents wanted to speak with the city about making visitors more aware and alert.”
The hotel is not liable for the stolen items, which included a skateboard, guitar and multiple laptops. Some families were unable to determine exactly what was missing, since they brought so many things for move-in day.
The hotel does not have video surveillance in its parking lot, according to general manager Jim Trent.
La Cuesta Inn is located on the north end of Monterey Street, where many hotels were filled with incoming Cal Poly freshmen and their families Sunday night. Another vehicle burglary was reported at Petit Soleil Bed and Breakfast, which is also on Montery Street. Police are currently investigating to see if there is a possible connection.
“These aren’t unusual,” said San Luis Obispo Police Department Captain Chris Staley. “We do get a fair number of auto burglaries a year so if there’s anything we can follow up on, we will.”
Victoria Billings contributed to this article.