BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University Institute of Technology police are investigating several recent vehicle break-ins and an auto theft on the university’s Beckley campus.
According to a campus safety alert, the West Virginia University Police Department received reports of breaking and entering involving vehicles in parking lots on Church Street and near University Hall.
Police said one vehicle was also stolen from the Church Street parking lot. The vehicle was later recovered.
According to the university, suspects have targeted unlocked vehicles and valuables left in plain sight. Forced entry has also been used to get into locked vehicles.
Campus police are urging students, employees and visitors to take additional precautions, including locking their vehicles, keeping bags and electronics out of sight and never leaving keys inside a vehicle.
Drivers are also encouraged to park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible and use anti-theft devices such as alarms or steering wheel locks if available.
Anyone who has been a victim or notices suspicious activity on campus is asked to contact University Police at 304-929-COPS. Police are also asking people who witness suspicious activity to note suspect descriptions and the direction of travel when possible.
