Car-related vandalism and crime is low on campus, but that shouldn’t stop students from taking common sense precautionary measures, said Justin Shelby, Campus Safety’s administrative manager.

Shelby cited only two significant cases of recent car vandalism, one in which a car was keyed, and another in which a car was moderately damaged. The City of La Mirada’s district crime totals report only three car burglaries and one case of vehicle theft on Biola’s campus between December 2007 and July 2008 – remarkably low statistics even compared to the other safe districts of La Mirada, said Shelby.

Shelby said this semester has been relatively peaceful so far, noting the decrease in campus crime rates from a couple of years ago. Overall, Shelby reassured students of the security of Biola’s on-campus cars, attributing the school’s excellent record to the quality of Biola’s students and the safety of La Mirada’s neighborhoods. Compared to other college campuses, Shelby commented on Biola’s “astoundingly low” crime rate.

Although car vandalism does occur, it isn’t the biggest problem on campus. Around 90 to 95 percent of crime on campus is graffiti-oriented, he said. In terms of vehicle-related crimes, Shelby cited minor hit-and-run incidents – many of which go unreported – as far more common than car vandalism.

Most students feel comfortable about the safety of their cars and haven’t experienced vehicle vandalism. Senior J.D. Perez summarized several students’ comments when he said car vandalism “has never really been a concern” for him. Junior Amanda Jensen said she doesn’t even worry when she leaves her car on campus during vacations, and freshman Caitlin O’Donnell said she feels secure, but that doesn’t keep her from employing common sense.

“I don’t leave anything valuable in my car … I take those precautions,” said O’Donnell.

The general feeling of security in the Biola environment causes students to be “pretty trusting” and less cautious with their belongings, said Talbot student Christal Green. Green, who attended Sacramento State University for her undergrad education, said she feels far more confident of her car’s safety here at Biola than at her alma mater.

However, vehicle vandalism is still a relevant topic on campus, as Talbot student James Browning acknowledged. He recalled two separate incidents in which offenders stole his friend’s car and keyed the car of another friend. Besides standard vandalism, students have noticed pranks to be prevalent in the parking lots.

“I had a roommate who had someone put tampons all over his car,” Browning said.

Freshman Justin Haggard said he’s noticed more cars enveloped in toilet paper and plastic wrap than actual vandalized cars on campus.

In relation to cars, sophomore Daniel Vildasol hasn’t noticed any “outright vandalism.” However, he recognized, “it doesn’t hurt to be more cautious.”

Shelby encouraged students to prevent “specific opportunities for criminals” in which a person might, without prior intent to commit a crime, spot obvious valuables and steal them. Shelby also said parking off campus poses a “bigger risk” for vandalism.

He encouraged students who live and park off campus to instead park on campus and call campus safety to escort them back to their apartments, since parking on campus is “definitely safer” for their cars.

Mostly, Shelby advocated “common sense” steps for students in protecting their cars from vandalism, such as:

• Parking in a well-lit area.
• Keeping valuables hidden.
• Always locking your doors.
• Rolling up your windows completely.