A series of thefts at Ventura College ended in a student’s arrest for stealing wallets out of multiple female’s purses during the first three days of school.

Undercover officers arrested a 20-year-old male student on campus on Wednesday, Jan. 13, according to District Chief of Police Richard DeLaO.

The first incident was reported on Monday, Jan.11 when a wallet was stolen out of a women’s purse, according to DeLaO. Within 30 minutes another theft occurred in the LRC building.

A similar attempt took place on the following day. During this incident a friend of the intended victim witnessed the attempt to steal the purse and prevented the theft, according to DeLaO.

The unusual number of reported thefts prompted officers to go undercover on Wednesday. After observing a suspicious student come in to contact with a group of students and make another attempt to steal, officers then took the student into custody.

During the questioning process, the male student confessed to the two thefts and two attempted thefts, according to DeLaO.

The name of the male student cannot be released at this time.

The student was arrested immediately after the interview. He was charged with two counts of petty theft and two counts of attempted petty theft and booked in county jail. His bail is $15,000.

“Every semester unfortunately we have individuals who are on campus looking for opportunities to steal wallets, purses, and backpacks and break into cars,” said DeLaO. “Our main request is for students to lock valuables in their trunk, also keep an eye on your personal property, and be aware of your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity.”

Any other students that have suffered from the theft of a purse of wallet are asked to report their losses to campus police at (805) 652-5534.