by Audra Meiklejohn
Daily Lobo
Only four years ago UNM reported more automobile thefts than any other university in the nation.
Although the number of reported automobile thefts this year is less than half of the 1998 total, auto theft is still a prominent issue the campus police force is addressing.
According to the Safety and Security brochure recently released by UNM Police Department, in 1998 UNM reported 71 stolen vehicles to the FBI. According to UNMPD records, there were 48 reported stolen automobiles in 1999, 55 in 2000 and 42 in 2001. But this year's total of 25 automobiles stolen is the lowest in five years.
UNMPD Cmdr. James Daniels said the campus crime rate reflects the city's crime rate. According to the New Mexico Crime Information Web site, Albuquerque's crime rate is slightly higher than the national average. Daniels said this is because both the Albuquerque Police Department and UNMPD are understaffed.
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Daniels said one of the factors involved is that the training process for new officers is long and has several rigorous standards. All UNM police officers are required to meet state certification standards mandated by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Although the department is understaffed, Daniels said campus parking lots are patrolled 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Campus police help protect students from car break-ins and motor vehicle theft by communicating with students and facilitating crime prevention programs.
Despite constant patrolling and prevention and awareness programs, auto theft still presents a problem to police because of the sheer number of automobiles that are potential targets on campus. Auto theft has occurred in a number of locations on campus, and is not concentrated in any one area, Daniels said.
"It's all over the place, but we try to saturate the areas we know are at high risk," he said.
He added that students can count on extra security patrolling parking lots at The Pit and University Stadium on nights of home games and during other large events.
Although many people question the effectiveness of car alarms and steering wheel immobilization devices, Daniels said that these preventative measures can serve as deterrents.
Experts recommend using one of three deterrents - the Club, an automobile alarm or a kill switch. These deterrents are effective because they create obstacles that burglars often avoid.
"Thieves are looking for a target opportunity," Daniels said. "If you make the target too hard, they will move on to an easier target."
The UNMPD commander advises students and faculty to park in well-lit, high-traffic areas and to use their common sense to avoid being the victim of automobile theft or some other crime.
"Common sense is what keeps you safe," he said. "And that's what is going to keep your valuables safe."
He said people who park their vehicle on campus, or anywhere, should lock all doors and close all windows - even if they will be away only for a few minutes.
Personal items such as purses, wallets, cell phones and shopping bags should be put out of sight. Textbooks, CDs and credit cards are also commonly stolen items.
Students who become victims of auto theft or burglary should call UNM police as soon as they notice the crime. Next, they should contact their insurance company to determine if a claim needs to be filed for reimbursement for stolen property or vehicle damage.
The amount of time that it takes insurance companies to process claims and settlements varies by company. Students should contact their agents for more information about how their insurance company processes auto theft claims.
Depending on the policy, insurance companies may also pay for rental cars until the stolen vehicle is recovered, or until the victim has received a settlement.
Car insurance premiums may be higher for cars that are more popular among automobile thieves.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that although the nation's most-stolen vehicle is the Toyota Camry, Fords, Chevrolets and Hondas top the charts in Albuquerque.
