Theft seizes top spot on law enforcement list of February calls

In the past month the campus police have recorded at least 16 arrests and responded to dozens of other calls. The Auraria Police Department tracks all crimes through the log and blog on its website so students can see what has happened on campus.

In February, campus police reported at least 16 thefts, 10 calls regarding sick or injured people, five accidents, four driving-under-the-influence stops, two incidents of trespassing and one assault case in which the victim did not want to press charges, but wanted an apology instead.

“The most prevalent crime we’ve had [this month] is theft,” APD Deputy Chief Robert Forrest said.

Unattended backpacks, wallets, iPods and laptops were the most common items stolen in February. It is common for personal items to go “missing” when left out in the open, but even properly locked up bikes have been taken from right out-front of the King Center.

A majority of the thefts have happened in the Auraria Event Center and the Tivoli. Lockers have been ransacked in the Auraria Event Center and students in the Tivoli have had their bags taken from tables when they were left unattended for several minutes.

“Crimes of opportunity are always a problem on campus,” APD Detective Jason Mollendor said.

Mollendor advises students, faculty, and others on campus to always keep their items on them. “If you must leave your table, always lock your items up,” he said.

Mollendor said they recently arrested a suspect.

“[We were] able to link him to all but one of the thefts committed this month,” Mollendor said.

While it is the most common crime, theft is not the only transgression committed on campus.

An officer was called Feb. 15 to the Tivoli Auraria Parking Structure when a security officer noticed three unattended children locked in a car.

When the owner of the vehicle returned he stated that the children were his girlfriend’s.

The owner of the car was asked by his girlfriend to deliver the kids to their father.

When the father never showed, he left the kids in the car while he took a test. Both the mother of the children and the boyfriend may face charges.

The campus police also received calls from persons requiring medical assistance.

One call in particular came from the Plaza Building when someone was reportedly having seizures.

Members of the medical staff at the Health Center at Auraria said the person had a past history of seizures and was then transported to the hospital.

Another sick and injured distress was reported on Feb. 17 when an officer walking around the Tivoli was informed of an injured person at a credit union. The person was awake, and was able to answer questions and said they had not eaten in a while and passed out.

The person refused an ambulance and left the premises. The injured individual later returned and said they had hit their head on the counter and a credit union would be hearing from them.

For more information on recent crimes and how to contact the Auraria Police, please visit www.AHEC.edu and click on the campus police tab.