UC Davis police are investigating a recent series of burglaries at campus labs and offices.
The bulk of them occurred at Bainer Hall, which houses the college’s engineering departments. Between Sept. 9 and Oct. 13, the unknown suspect or suspects forced open doors and offices about a dozen times during weekends, according to police.
However, there were no signs of forced entry into the building itself, leading investigators to believe that the culprits were either let inside or got in with a key or through an unlocked door. Items reported missing included cameras, computer monitors, tools and paint supplies.
Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact UCD police at 530-752-1727.
The burglaries were the subject of a recent message by UCD Police Chief Joe Farrow to the campus community.
“Our university is not unique in experiencing a rise in opportunistic crimes, such as people stealing valuables left in plain sight or from offices and buildings left unsecured,” Farrow said. “There are unfortunately people that come to our community to commit crimes. Our goal is to make UC Davis and UC Davis Health safe places to live, work and learn.”
Farrow noted that the campus has several safety and security projects in the works, including enhanced lighting and installation of additional security cameras and emergency call boxes.
“Also, we are moving forward with a new-generation building access system that when completed will greatly enhance the safety of our campus community,” Farrow added. “Even with our efforts, it is always important to watch out for one another, and notify campus authorities when you see things that seem out of place, unusual, dangerous or otherwise suspicious — always trust your instincts.”
Farrow’s message also made reference to a recent rash of five armed robberies in the city of Davis in which the victims were targeted while walking on local streets or sidewalks. Davis police announced Friday the arrest of a suspect, 25-year-old Eric Paul Rodriguez, who is believed to have robbed a woman at gunpoint Oct. 5 in the area of Sycamore Lane and Villanova Drive.
— Reach Lauren Keene at lkeene@davienterprise.net or 530-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene