A recent spike in motor vehicle thefts in the neighborhood surrounding the University of St. Thomas prompted Public Safety to release an alert on Oct. 14.

The alert, sent out on Oct. 14, included information on motor vehicle theft reports from two St. Thomas students, as well as theft reports to the St. Paul Police Department. One motor vehicle stolen from a St. Thomas student was recently recovered in the middle of South Dakota, according to Mike Barrett, associate director and manager of investigations in the Department of Public Safety.

“We put crime notices out … when we see a reasonable spike in crime or it appears unusually high,” Barrett said. “Generally speaking, a crime spike happens in this area after a group of criminals is forced out and another finds its way in, or simply because of crimes of opportunity.”

Since the alert, Public Safety received one tip from a community member who said there was a potential suspect who was seen trying driver’s side door handles on vehicles in the area, according to Barrett.

“[He] was described as Caucasian, maybe about 5′ 10″, dark hair of about normal length for guys, probably mid-20s, and no glasses,” Barrett said.

Sgt. Michael Ernster from the St. Paul Police Department said that many precautions residents can take to prevent motor vehicle thefts.

“Try to get people to realize they need to make their vehicle harder to steal. When I say that, I mean park in well lit areas. Take your keys with you, lock your doors, close all your windows, keep valuables out of sight that you might leave in there that would possibly tempt people from trying to get into your car,” Ernster said.

Liz Legatt, a junior at St. Thomas, owns a car and lives just about five minutes away from campus. Legatt and her roommate always park in the garage next to their house and keep it closed unless they are going in and out.

“The (parking) slab right next to it, it’s between two garages and it’s pretty well lit, so if we ever do park there, we’re aware of it, and the neighbors are aware of it. It’s pretty obvious if someone’s trying to take our cars,” Legatt said.

Legatt suggested that students and residents living in the area park their cars in a consistent, safe spot that they can remember.

“Definitely lock your car everywhere you go. Even if you’re running on campus for five minutes,” she said.

To report missing motor vehicles, contact Public Safety at (651) 962-5100 or the St. Paul Police Department at (651) 291-1111.

Danielle Wong can be reached at wong0031@stthomas.edu