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WVU issues Community Notice after recent thefts from vehicles and asks students, staff to lock vehicles

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West Virginia University Police has received four reports since July 17 of thefts from vehicles. In most cases, the vehicles were left unlocked and parked in the following lots on the Morgantown campus: Lots 30 (Near College Park), North High St. (Near Boreman) and Coliseum Lot. Similar incidents have been reported throughout Monongalia County.  

University Police is increasing patrols and presence in these areas and is also coordinating with other law enforcement agencies in response to the incidents.  

Officers are actively reviewing information as they work to identify suspects but is also asking the public to report any suspicious individuals or vehicles in any University parking lot by calling 304-293-COPS (2677) or visiting the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505. Information may be shared anonymously.

WVU is committed to providing a safe campus for the protection of the University community. The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.

  • PLEASE LOCK YOUR VEHICLE (secure windows and doors while you are away or not actively monitoring them).
  • Check your vehicle often.
  • Do not leave spare keys in places accessible to others ( e.g., inside an unlocked car).
  • Check your vehicle before getting in and driving away.
  • If anything is out of place or appears to have been tampered with, call UPD (if off-campus, Morgantown PD or local police department).
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT to drive the vehicle away if parts to the vehicle are missing unless it is safe to do so.
  • If any tools or other items are around the car, do not touch them and tell the responding officer.
  • Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.
  • If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or UPD.
  • Download the LiveSafe app.
  • If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system if available.

West Virginia University Resources:

Learn more about WVU’s three-tiered emergency notification system.  

Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and also available at police.wvu.edu.  

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page and @WVUsafety on Twitter.  

-WVU-  

UR/07/20/2021  

CONTACT: April Kaull
Executive Director of Communications
University Relations
304-293-3990; akaull@mail.wvu.edu  

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