Ruben Chavez, Lieutenant, San Jose and Evergreen Community College Police department said there have been 21 crimes on campus since January 1, including bike thefts, car break-ins and alleged charges of driving under the influence.

Chavez summarized the crimes and said “there have been two bicycle thefts from the stands next to the GE building during the daytime. Both had chains with locks that were cut off, the campus police encourage use of the large U-style locks that can’t be cut off.”

Chavez further said, “nine automobile burglaries have taken place, mostly during daytime in parking lots “C”, “L”, and “P”. The windows were broken and items taken. The campus police encourage students and staff to keep doors locked and to keep valuables out of sight. Two of the vehicles burglarized were police vehicles where windows were broken.”
There has only been one automobile theft, and the suspect was already identified.

Ten thefts and burglaries from offices, classrooms, or other buildings have taken place. The Cosmetology building has been hit hard by someone stealing items from purses found in unlocked lockers during the day. The thieves used the stolen credit cards adding to the victim’s misery.

The campus police are actively working the cases and have some good evidence and leads. Chavez said, “we encourage everyone to secure their belongings. Either lock them up and do not leave belongings out in open view. The other thefts were laptops and computers left in places that would normally be considered safe, however with our troubling economy; people will resort to “crimes of opportunity”.

Sahar Lama, an SJCC student recently had her laptop stolen from the Student Center.

She said, “I thought the Student Life Center was secure. I left my computer in the open to assist on a fundraiser with the Museum Student Association. When I returned the laptop was gone. It was a gift from my mother’s closest friend.”

According to Chavez and depending upon the value and intent of the perpetrator, the penalty for theft or burglary can range from a year in county jail to four years in prison.

Theft directly affected SJCC students. Patrick Lorea, 25, English major, recently lost his laptop as a result of an automobile theft.

“My world was turned upside down. All of my files were now missing and papers I was working on had to be redone. Loss of a computer can be a traumatic experience to overcome,”Lorea said.

“Most of the criminal activity occurs in broad daylight; keep valuables out of sight and secured.” Chavez said. He encourages the student body to immediately report any suspicious activity to campus police at (408) 270-6468.