Moorpark College Campus police reports a rash of car break-ins throughout the last month. The culprit, who is as of yet unidentified, targets Ford owned products.

According to campus police the thief generally strikes between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. As these are the campus’ busiest hours, it is easier for the crook to go unnoticed.

Lt. Steve Kegley of the Moorpark Campus Police urges students and faculty to keep their eyes out.

“The thief probably looks like a student,” he said.

All of the vehicles that were broken into showed no signs of forced entry, despite the fact that they had been locked.

This leads police to believe that the crook is using a tool such as a slim jim, which is a thin piece of metal with a hooked end, or a pass key, a kind of master key made by the Ford Company that fits all of its cars.

The thief is apparently looking for market stereos. These would be better or nicer stereos that are added to a car after purchase. In six of the break-ins these radios are what have been stolen. In some cases additional valuables left in the car have been reported missing as well.

According to Kegley, some things you can do to protect your vehicle are; invest in an alarm system, temporarily remove stereos from the dashboard if possible. Don’t’ leave valuables on the seats; the offender is more likely to rob a car with extra loot that is easy to reach.

“They want to know there is something worth taking before they commit a felony,” Kegley said.

Kegley suggest students keep their eyes out for anything out of the ordinary, such as drivers that park for short periods and then drive away, an individual with a large backpack looking in the windows of a Ford vehicle, or pacing around the vehicle. Often someone squatting near a car could be working to unlock it unlawfully.

Any students with information regarding these robberies are encouraged to call the Campus Tip line: (805) 652-7770 or visit the Campus Police located east of the main gym by Campus road and the G parking lot.