MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice on Tuesday, Feb. 25, following multiple reports of unauthorized individuals entering both on- and off-campus residences through unlocked doors.
“Security starts at home,” UPD Chief Sherry St. Clair said. “We want our University community — especially our students — to be vigilant about protecting themselves and their property, and the first step is securing all doors.”
The first reported incident occurred on Feb. 21, when a student at Braxton Tower reported a theft.
The student had left his room unlocked while taking a shower, allowing an unknown person to enter and steal belongings.
Police have not yet identified a suspect.
On Feb. 23, a separate theft took place in an unlocked room at Dadisman Hall.
Officers investigating the incident identified three individuals who were not WVU students but had been signed into the building as visitors.
The three were issued trespassing notices. No charges have been filed.
“As the investigations continue, I’ve assigned our Campus Safety Officers to work with WVU Housing and Residence Life resident assistants to talk directly with our students living in residence halls about the importance of locking up and following all guest and visitation policies,” Chief St. Clair said.
Also on Feb. 23, an unrelated incident occurred at an off-campus home on North Spruce Street near the Downtown area of campus. A person mistakenly entered the occupied home through an unlocked door.
“We know that person would not have gone into that home if the main door had been locked. Thankfully, no one was hurt,” Chief St. Clair said. “With this Community Notice, we are reminding all members of our University community to do their part to help us keep them safe.”
WVU Police urge students to report any suspicious activity by calling 304-293-3136 or 304-293-COPS (2677).
The LiveSafe app is also available for direct, two-way communication with UPD through text, photo, video, and audio messaging.
