Crime Wave At St. Charles Church
Amy Bradley
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: News
A string of crimes at St. Charles Borromeo Church in March put University Police and school officials on the defensive. In the same week, a Honda Accord was stolen while parked just outside the church doors and several items were taken from purses during a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Although GMU students and staff were on spring break, SBA President Gene Granger heard about the thefts on March 11th and immediately notified University officials. University Police and administrators then went to work making sure the crime didn't spread to the Arlington campus.
The next day, Karen Newman, Director of Administrative Services, sent out an e-mail warning saying. "It is very possible that with increased ?surveillance at the Church the perpetrators will look to our buildings ?and parking lot/garage as the next target. We have notified our campus ?police and the Arlington police are involved as well in increasing ?security."
Newman says before she sent the e-mail she had University Police verify the information and follow-up. University Police say their good working relationship with the church allowed them to quickly verify the situation and keep students informed. University Police also contacted both SRA parking services and security at the FDIC building to inform them of the recent crime.
University Police say the stolen Honda Accord was located in Washington D.C. and that police found the tools used to break into the car were found inside. They're hopeful that they may be able to recover useful fingerprints from them. University Police say the car theft may have been a crime or opportunity and possibly taken by area youths for a joyride.
Police say the thieves who stole from the purses apparently raided the cloakroom during the celebration and took cash and credit cards. The thief tried to use at least one of the credit cards fraudulently and police are investigating.
For the time being, University Police are asking students and staff to take a proactive approach to protect their own property. "If someone wants into a car they'll bust a window. So don't give them a reason. Make sure to hide a GPS or anything of value out of sight," said University Police Sgt. Judy Meade.
University Police offered the following advice:
• Lock up all valuables
• Don't leave anything of value visible in vehicle
• Lock vehicle doors when parked
• Remain aware of your surroundings
• Don't walk with headphones
• Don't use cell phones when walking alone
• Report any suspicious behavior
• Use Security Escort Service
The next day, Karen Newman, Director of Administrative Services, sent out an e-mail warning saying. "It is very possible that with increased ?surveillance at the Church the perpetrators will look to our buildings ?and parking lot/garage as the next target. We have notified our campus ?police and the Arlington police are involved as well in increasing ?security."
Newman says before she sent the e-mail she had University Police verify the information and follow-up. University Police say their good working relationship with the church allowed them to quickly verify the situation and keep students informed. University Police also contacted both SRA parking services and security at the FDIC building to inform them of the recent crime.
University Police say the stolen Honda Accord was located in Washington D.C. and that police found the tools used to break into the car were found inside. They're hopeful that they may be able to recover useful fingerprints from them. University Police say the car theft may have been a crime or opportunity and possibly taken by area youths for a joyride.
Police say the thieves who stole from the purses apparently raided the cloakroom during the celebration and took cash and credit cards. The thief tried to use at least one of the credit cards fraudulently and police are investigating.
For the time being, University Police are asking students and staff to take a proactive approach to protect their own property. "If someone wants into a car they'll bust a window. So don't give them a reason. Make sure to hide a GPS or anything of value out of sight," said University Police Sgt. Judy Meade.
University Police offered the following advice:
• Lock up all valuables
• Don't leave anything of value visible in vehicle
• Lock vehicle doors when parked
• Remain aware of your surroundings
• Don't walk with headphones
• Don't use cell phones when walking alone
• Report any suspicious behavior
• Use Security Escort Service
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