University Police are cautioning students against leaving valuables in their cars after a recent rash of vehicular break-ins. As of Wednesday night, 6 vehicles were robbed. One was by Babington Residence Hall, and the others have been around Calecas and Millet-Zeringue Halls.

“Thibodaux Police has a suspect, and they’re working on it,” Cathy Landry, University Police investigator, said.

In most of the crimes, only stereo equipment was stolen. In one incident, a student’s culinary knives were stolen.

“In one car, they stole the stereo, but left about $1,500 worth of tools,” Dr. Eugene Dial, dean of student life, said. “They are looking for specific stuff.”

He said the University has contacted the Thibodaux Police Department to assist in the investigation.

“We just don’t have the resources they do,” he said. “We have given them copies of the reports, and they have promised they will push this in every way possible.”

Dial said the Thibodaux Police Department is in the process of interviewing people and taking fingerprints.

While there is no definite evidence to suggest so, Dial said there is a strong possibility the incidents have been committed by the same person or persons.

“Probably the person who did the first couple were involved in the most recent incidents,” he said.

For now, University Police has raised its visibility in the areas where most of the break-ins have occurred.

“The Sergeant on duty makes sure there is one officer in the area all night,” Dial said. “But unfortunately, if a crime occurs somewhere else on campus, then that officer will have to leave.

“We also have the SAFE students walking around the buildings. We want to catch them in the act, but we also want to prevent them from striking again.”

Nick Skaggs, business senior from Harahan, awoke Thursday morning to find his vehicle had been robbed overnight.

“They took my cell phone, the charger, some change, my stereo and the whole front panel and some CDs,” he said. “I’m very upset, because I had to work hard to pay for those things, and now people who probably don’t work have my stuff.

“I definitely don’t have the confidence to leave my car on campus any more.”

Dial said students should be more careful and should think before they park their cars.

“First of all, they shouldn’t leave anything of value in their cars, and if they do, they shouldn’t leave them where they’ll be visible,” he said.

“Also, they should park their cars in more visible areas, like along the street in front of the dorms, instead of on the sides.”