Campus police are investigating a series of "smash and grab" auto burglaries at UNM's South Lot that left six people scratching their heads while estimating the damage to their vehicles.
The burglaries took place May 1 between 8 and 10 a.m.
"They are all connected, there is no doubt about that," said UNM Police Department Cmdr. James Daniels. "Smash and grabs, all the way through."
Thieves broke five of the six vehicles' windows out to gain access to stereos and assorted items inside. The sixth vehicle was a Jeep with an open top that thieves stole a stereo from.
Mark Donahue, operations manager for JLS Security, the firm contracted by UNM Parking and Transportation Services to watch the lot, said May 1 was a busy day for his employees at South Lot.
With thousands of students parking in the lot and hundreds more using it for overflow parking during the Albuquerque Isotopes' game, Donahue said his two security officers were able to notify campus police only after the burglaries occurred.
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At the time of the burglaries, police were able to contact owners of only four of the six vehicles burglarized. Those four owners estimated the value of damages and stolen property at $1,485.
Vehicles burglarized include four Jeeps, a 1992 Ford Ranger and a 1991 Dodge Shadow.
Stereos and CD players were the most common items taken, but thieves also stole amplifiers and a subwoofer.
Donahue said his company had two guards patrolling the lot at the time of the burglaries.
"Whenever the shuttles are running, our guards are out there," Donahue said.
He added that one guard patrols in a vehicle while the other walks the length of the lot.
"Something like this we really need the public's help on," Daniels said. "It's imperative that the public contact us when they see something like this."
Daniels added that anyone reporting a campus crime can remain anonymous - the most important thing is to notify police.
