Although car break-ins are a frequent issue in San Luis Obispo, they are a minor problem on Cal Poly’s campus, according to University Police Department (UPD) Cmdr. Brenda Trobaugh.
Celina Oseguera
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San Luis Obispo police arrested two men in connection with two car break-ins that took place in town last week.
The stolen items included firefighter clothing, department equipment, accessories and tools. A majority of the items have been found, San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) Capt. Chris Staley said.
This sort of crime, according to Staley, is not unusual.
“We do experience a high number of auto break ins each year,” he said.
Although car break-ins are a frequent issue in San Luis Obispo, they are a minor problem on Cal Poly’s campus, according to University Police Department (UPD) Cmdr. Brenda Trobaugh. Bike thefts are more frequent than car break-ins at Cal Poly, mainly because of the patrolling University Police Department officers, she said.
“Between the parking officers and patrol officers, it helps to deter burglars,” she said.
Trobaugh, Staley and SLOPD Sgt. Brian Amoroso shared advice on how students can prevent car break-ins on campus.
Staley attributed the high rate of San Luis Obispo auto burglaries to car owners leaving valuables visible in their cars.
“The burglars go out, especially at night, and they just look into these vehicles that have anything of value,” Staley said.
Staley suggested the best way to prevent burglars from spotting valuable items is to hide or take them out of the car. He also suggested the easiest way to prevent burglary — locking the car.
Trobaugh had similar advice. She stressed the importance of keeping valuables out of sight.
“It’s an invitation for someone to break a window and get it,” she said about leaving out such items.
Amoroso, who was present at the arrest of the men involved in the car break-ins, also advised that students park their cars in well-lit areas.