Six separate University buildings were reported burglarized or vandalized Tuesday night and early yesterday morning, in what University Police Lt. Mike Abbott described as an evening of "random crime."
The buildings include Alderman Library, Clark Hall, Cobb Hall, Levering Hall, Memorial Gymnasium and New Cabell Hall.
A suspicious person report was filed with Police in the Alderman Library incident and University Police Chief Micheal Sheffield said Police believe the crimes are related.
"Looking at the method of break-in, they look very similar," Sheffield said.
Although police have not identified any suspects, witnesses in several of the incidents described the perpetrator as a black male of unidentified age, Abbott said.
"The cases are still under investigation, and calls from students with stolen property [and further damage reports] continue to come in," he said.
"We have several leads and we're very confident we'll be able to resolve the case very quickly," Sheffield said.
In all, over $350 worth of property was reported stolen in the incidents. Police value the property damage to the buildings to be about $325, Abbott said.
"Most of the damage was to building window glass and panes," he said. "It was largely vandalism."
Among other items, Police said the suspect made off with students' books and backpacks and clothes from Mem Gym.
Following last month's theft of computer equipment from Booker House, University Spokeswoman Louise Dudley called the incidents "particularly unsettling.
"These underscore the need for safety and awareness among students," Dudley said. "This academic year we've certainly heard about more break-ins than in the past, so it's a little troubling."
University Police encouraged students to secure their property, lock doors and to be aware of suspicious persons.
"Is this a symptom of more incidents, more reports or more carelessness?" Dudley said.
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