DAYTON — Several attempted and successful car thefts around campus overnight has prompted the University of Dayton to issue a “safety advisory” Saturday.
Saturday morning, UD’s Department of Public Safety was first informed of a car theft or attempted theft from the Courtyard by Marriot.
During further investigation, Public Safety was informed of several other incidents in and around campus including the S2 Lot, Lowes Street and Evanston Avenue, according to the advisory,
>> Nightmare not over for Kia, Hyundai owners targeted in car thefts
Four cars in total were stolen and three attempts were made to steal cars, the advisory states. Three have been recovered.
All cars involved were either Kias or Hyundais.
“Drivers of Kia and Hyundai vehicles are encouraged to purchase and install a steering wheel lock to deter individuals from engaging in an ongoing TikTok challenge to steal these particular vehicle makes. All individuals with vehicles on campus are encouraged to check on their vehicles periodically,” the advisory states.
Anyone with information about the thefts or aware of similar incidents is asked to contact UD’s Public Safety at 937-229-2121.
News Center 7 spoke with a UD student who said her car was one of the break-ins.
“When I got into the car, obviously all the compartments were open, so that was a little off to me but I just thought nothing of it,” said Cara McGlone.
She noticed something was wrong when she was backing out of the parking spot.
“I saw the airpods case that I keep in my car that’s empty on my roommates car on the top of her car and that’s when everything kind of clicked that you know, oh my gosh, my car was broken into.”
University of Dayton officials released a statement to News Center 7 Saturday afternoon about the overnight car thefts.
“There were four vehicle thefts and three attempted vehicle thefts reported to Public Safety over several hours this morning from various locations on and off campus. All the vehicles involved were either Kia or Hyundai models. The theft of Kias and Hyundais is a national issue that local law enforcement departments continue to address. Of the four vehicles taken, three have been recovered. Public Safety is currently investigating these crimes and sent out a safety advisory earlier today to notify our campus community.
“Due to these incidents, Public Safety plans to increase patrols in and around campus parking lots, while also partnering with the Dayton Police Department, which has been working to combat the same trend of stolen Kia and Hyundai models.
“Public Safety urges those who own these vehicles to check with the manufacturers for the most up to date theft prevention improvements, including installing a steering wheel lock to potentially deter thieves and checking on their vehicles regularly.”
We will provide updates on this developing story.
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