CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The University of Illinois Police Department is warning the campus community after a series of vehicle thefts and break-ins near student housing. Between April 16 and May 1, police received four reports of attempted motor vehicle thefts at Tower at Third apartments, located at 302 E. John Street in Champaign.
All of the targeted vehicles were either Kia or Hyundai models. According to police, victims reported rear window damage and tampered steering columns, with some vehicles also burglarized.
“While we do not have reason to believe these incidents present a threat to anyone’s physical safety, we felt it important to issue this notice in order to prevent similar crimes from occurring,” UIPD said in a campus-wide alert.
Police are encouraging vehicle owners to stay vigilant by locking their cars, hiding valuables, and reporting suspicious activity. Anyone with information is asked to contact UIPD at 217-333-1216 or anonymously reach out to Champaign County Crime Stoppers via phone at 217-373-TIPS, online at 373tips.com, or through the P3 Tips mobile app. University of Illinois, vehicle theft, campus crime, UIPD, Kia thefts, Hyundai thefts, Champaign crime, Tower at Third, student safety, police alert, Illinois news, Crime Stoppers, car break-ins