With the increase in on-campus crime, county and campus police offer tips on how to prevent or handle these situations should they happen to you.

In the 2014, the VCCCD Crime Statistic Reports showed that the total number of petty thefts, which are thefts under $950, was 69 in all VCCCD campuses. Twelve of the petty thefts happened at Moorpark. There were a total number of 12 grand thefts, which are thefts over $950 among all VCCCD campuses, with two at Moorpark.

“Keep track of your belongings,” said Moorpark College Police Department Supervisor Lt. Greg Beckley. “Recognize this is an open campus.”

According to the Ventura County Community College District’s crime log, there has been an increase in petty thefts and in reported hit-and-runs during the semester, with five occurring in October.

Police tips to prevent crime:

– Watch your property and be observant of persons around you, especially when studying in libraries, working out in public fitness areas, or in the cafeteria.

– Lock cars and don’t leave valuable items in plain sight.

In addition, suspicious behavior including loitering in parking lots should be reported.

“A lot of [hit-and-runs] occur [because] many students have not learned how to properly maneuver a car,” said Beckley. “Students should practice getting in and out of parking stalls. They are perpendicular.”

Hit-and-runs gave been a common problem at Moorpark, said Beckley. He explains that many students are inexperienced drivers and get tunnel vision while driving. He recommends students to be more cautious in the parking lots to prevent car accidents.

“It’s not worth someone’s life,” said Beckley. “Think about maneuvering 3,000 pounds of metal.”

The police have tips on what to do if your car is hit by another vehicle that does not stop to exchange information:

– Contact the police immediately.

– Do not be moved the involved vehicle before the police come for investigation.

If you strike a parked vehicle or damage property with your vehicle:

– Attempt to locate the owner

– If the owner cannot be located, leave a note in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or property stating your name and contact information

– For a traffic report, contact Campus Police.

Thefts from vehicles have also been a problem.

“Reality is, it doesn’t matter where you live or go to school, anyone can be a target,” said Detective Tim Lonham from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

In one incident in September, a Moorpark student left her backpack in the women’s locker room unattended and an unknown person stole her car keys. Surveillance cameras later identified the suspect as she drove the victims’ car out of the parking lot. The Ventura College Police Department found the suspect and recovered the vehicle.

That same month, another victim reported that an unknown person were able to force her driver-side window down and reach in and steal her parking permit.

“We can never say this enough, keep your vehicles locked, alarms on, windows up and most importantly, do no leave valuables in your vehicle or in plain sight,” said Lohman.

Reports can be made at the Campus Police Station. To report or contact by phone, the Campus Police Station, or by calling (805) 378-1455.

The anonymous tips line is also available at 805-652-7770.