ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Security Alert 08/31/24

Security Alert

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Division of Public Safety

Crime: Attempted motor vehicle theft

Location of incident: Cornell Road and Murray Hill Road

Date of Incident: Aug. 31, 2024

Time of Incident: Approximately 4 a.m.

Incident Description: ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ police received a report at 4:30 a.m. of numerous vehicle break-ins in lot 44 (2308 Murray Hill Road). Upon investigation, officers found cars broken into in multiple locations, including 1728 E. 116th St., on Bellflower Road, and at the intersections of Cornell and Murray Hill Roads and East 114th Street and Ashbury Road. 

Officers determined the suspects attempted to steal one vehicle parked at Cornell and Murray Hill, a Kia Forte.

Suspect(s) Description: Video footage shows a group of juveniles committing the break-ins; ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ police have one suspect in custody. The juveniles are driving a stolen 2020 Hyundai Elantra, silver in color, with temporary tags S394949.

Additional information: If you discover your vehicle was broken into but do not see a notice from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ police on your windshield, please call 216.368.3300 immediately.

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ police will be increasing patrols to help prevent vehicle break-ins and thefts. Individuals are asked to report any suspicious behavior to 216.368.3331 immediately.

As a reminder, Hyundai and Kia are some of the most-stolen vehicle brands in the U.S. Drivers of these brands in particular should use steering wheel locks as deterrents, and all drivers should keep in mind the safety tips listed below. Free steering wheel locks are available for pickup from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Division of Public Safety at 1689 E. 115th St. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Initiated: Aug. 31, 2024

Time of Report: Aug. 31 at 4:30 a.m.

Information provided by: ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Police Department

Safety tips
Survivors of crime are never at fault for their victimization. It is the perpetrators of these crimes who are responsible for their actions that make our campus less safe. However, there are a few tips that may help prevent future crimes. 

  • Put a steering wheel lock on your car, making sure it can easily be seen through your windows. These can be purchased online or at local automotive supply and hardware stores. Alternatively, you can pick up a lock for free between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s Division of Public Safety (1689 E. 115th St.).
  • Close all windows and lock all doors when you park—and take your key (or fob) with you.
  • Do not leave anything valuable in your vehicle; if for some reason you cannot bring the item with you, try to ensure it is not visible through the windows.
  • Park in well-lit areas when you can and, ideally, as close as possible to your destination.
  • Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle, and do a quick scan of your rear seat before getting in.
  • Be alert to any activity near your vehicle and be aware of people who may be following you to your vehicle.
  • Don’t drive without locking your doors.
  • When stopped in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you can pull away quickly if needed.
  • See something, say something. Report any suspicious behavior to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ police in the Spartan Safe app or by calling 216.368.3331.
  • If you feel threatened or uncomfortable in regards to your safety, call ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ police at 216.368.3333. If a situation is making you nervous, don't be afraid to alter your route, duck into a store or call for help.

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of the community. We strongly encourage individuals to regularly check case.edu/publicsafety/services to see what safety tips and services we provide.

If you have any information on this crime, please call 216.368.3333 as soon as possible. If you would like to leave an anonymous tip, please call 216.368.3331.

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Division of Public Safety releases security alerts, in compliance with the federal Clery Act, when a Clery-reportable crime is committed and the university determines there is an ongoing threat on campus to the health or safety of students or employees.