Car break-ins and thefts stand out in fall 2024 crime – The Cauldron
Theft and petty theft lead all crimes reported in fall 2024 thus far, with a total of 45 charges across 34 cases, according to Cleveland State University’s Sixty Day Crime Log from Sept. 15 through Nov. 15.
Following closely is criminal damaging or endangering, accumulating 38 charges across 29 cases, then motor vehicle trespass, with 33 charges across 25 cases. Many reports list charges of all three crimes together.
Car break-ins and thefts
While many car break ins, thefts or attempted thefts took place off-campus, many were also reported at The Edge and The Langston apartments, South Garage, Central Garage and Lot 27, with a few at West Garage, East Garage, Lot 65 and Lot 43.
On Monday, Nov. 11, CSU sent out an alert via Outlook to the campus community reporting an alarming increase in vehicular theft and attempted theft, with two being stolen, though recovered — reminiscent of the last few years as a social media trend has driven a nationwide rise in thefts of certain car models.
“Both stolen vehicles were Kia or Hyundai models, which have become common targets due to a nationwide surge in thefts driven by a social media trend,” wrote CSU in the email. “If you own one of these vehicles, we strongly recommend using a steering wheel club or another anti-theft device as an added layer of protection.
The reported break-ins have involved a variety of makes and models, so all vehicle owners should remain vigilant.”
CSU intends to increase patrol and advises students to protect their vehicles by rolling up windows, locking cars and not leaving visible items of value inside.
Assault, menacing, strangulation
12 cases of assault and four cases of menacing or aggravated menacing were also reported in the last three months. A Sept. 22 assault at 1900 Food & Beverage Store, located off-campus on Euclid Ave.,included an ethnic intimidation charge and ended in an arrest.
Two other assault cases each included a charge of strangulation, one occurring at Euclid Commons on Oct. 10 and another in Trinity Cathedral on Oct. 30. The former resulted in arrest and the latter was referred to the Prosecutor’s Office.
A third case involving strangulation took place at the Rec Center on Nov. 12 and remains an open felony.
One case of domestic violence resulting in arrest reportedly took place at The Langston between Oct. 1 and Oct. 2.
Other crimes
The crime log also lists three cases of public indecency, two DUIs, three cases of failure to stop after a traffic accident, an off-campus arson, burglary, misuse of credit cards, telephone harassment and improperly discharging or handling firearms, among other crimes.
Publication of crime log
Under the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Cleveland State University provides statistical information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to the CSU Police Department website, CSU publishes this information “as part of [CSU’s] commitment to a safe and informed campus community,” and it is in compliance with the Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (renamed the Jeanne Clery Act in 1998) and the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act.
Students can call CSU Police at (216) 687-2020 if they witness or suspect criminal activity. The RAVE Guardian application is also available to do so.