In one year, Keene N.H. faced 249 break-ins, and only six arrests.
Lieutenant Steven Stewart of the Keene Police Department said, “In the city of Keene, from March 7, 2013, until March 7, 2014, there have been a reported 249 vehicle break-ins. Between the months of June to December, there have been six arrests made and it is likely they are responsible for most of the break ins, but no convictions reported.”
Amanda Guthorn, Keene State College director of campus safety, reported, “There was one vehicle break-in on campus on Appleton Street on February twenty-first. The student said his car was locked, but there were no signs of forced entry or damage. Nothing was reported missing.”
Following this incident, on Feb. 25, KSC sent a crime alert to students, informing them about the break-ins and tips for prevention: lock car doors, take valuables and hide valuables if unable to take them out of the car. According to Stewart, “The most common items stolen are change, money, electronics such as GPS’ and Ipods…those sorts of things.”
Guthorn suspected, “People are looking for something to sell quickly; they are looking for money for drugs or some quick cash.”
Cassidy Hunkins / Equinox Staff
KSC sophomore, Joseph Hreschak, said, “I take my snowboard and wallet with me and lock my car. I feel safe leaving my car on campus.”
Stewart said, “Most of the break-ins occur in neighborhoods off campus. They happen overnight and generally are not reported until later that day. The cars are usually left unlocked, very few have windows broken.”
Another KSC first year student, Tyla Gallant reported, “I feel safe leaving my car here [on campus] because I don’t leave my car unlocked and I bring my wallet and phone with me.”
These sort of thefts happen year-round, Stewart stated, “The college being in session does not have anything to do with the break-ins. They happen in rashes year-round, the last one was reported a month ago. There is no connection between the college’s students and break-ins.”
Campus Safety members have expressed they are doing all they can to protect students, and there are many cameras that can catch suspicious activity.
Guthorn said, in the previous fall, there was a night cleaner who reported someone trying to break in. Campus Safety was able to catch it on camera and called KPD.
They were able to catch the person on another camera and linked him to multiple other thefts. Guthorn said, “The good relationship between Keene Police and Campus Safety is working to prevent further thefts.”
Nicole Danish can be contacted at ndanish@keene-equinox.com