by Deborah Harvey
Daily Lobo
Cmdr. James Daniels of the UNM Police Department said there have been 40 auto burglaries on campus and two arrests in connection with the burglaries since June.
"Most of these break-ins are crimes of opportunity," Daniels said. "The thieves saw something in the cars like books, purses or even a laptop and decided it would be easy to just smash the window and steal."
UNM's Parking and Transportation Services Department has close contact with the UNM Police Department to provide security in areas of campus where it will be the most effective.
Erin Blanton, spokeswoman for Parking and Transportation Services, said the department spends almost $200,000 annually on security guards.
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Students said they feel safe when they see guards patrolling UNM parking lots and the campus.
"If a security guard is there to ticket my car for being in the wrong lot, he'll notice if someone is breaking in my car," Stephen Miera said.
Vicki Brown said her car alarm adds to the security that guards bring to the lots.
The University contracts a private security firm, Probus Security, to provide guards on campus parking lots.
Tony Hufford, supervisor, said the guards patrol often, some on foot and others on bicycles.
"If we see suspicious behavior, we look into it immediately," he said.
A dispatch person is available at UNMPD 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
"Students can help prevent many car burglaries by putting valuables in the trunk or out of sight, parking in a well-lit area and not in secluded sections," Daniels said. "If walking alone after dark, call for an escort."
The department offers the following safety tips:
* When going out late at night, take a friend. Don't go alone.
* Lock all doors and close all windows when leaving your car.
* Have keys ready when approaching your car. Lock the door immediately after entering your car.
* If you witness a crime, call UNMPD immediately.
The phone numbers to call:
* UNMPD Emergency: 911
* Non-emergency: 277-2241
* Escort Service: 277-2241
* Parking and Transportation
Services: 277-1938
