Morningside works to prevent break-ins, break-in victim roots for security cameras

By Claire DeRoin ~
In the light of a series of car break-ins on campus parking lots, Morningside has started to take preventative action against these thefts.

According to Brett Lyon, assistant director of security, five cars were recently broken into on Morningside campus. Security is unsure whether the break-ins were all done by the same party, or if the break-ins were done by different individuals, and a mere coincidence that they fell in such a short period of time.

What security does know is that the thefts are committed once an opportunity to gain something arises.  Lyon insists that students shouldn’t be worried, but remember to remove all valuables and possessions from vehicles.

In a response to the thefts, Morningside looked into the issue. “Morningside College has changed and increased the hours worked by the security department,” said Lyon. “The increased hours are entirely dedicated to patrolling the campus parking lots.”

In addition to more security, Morningside has formed a campus committee which, according to Lyon, is reviewing other options to help eliminate these break-ins.

Katie Copple, whose car was one involved in the break-ins, is thankful for more patrols, but not completely at ease. She hopes the committee will consider security cameras in the parking lots. “Having more patrols through the parking lots will help, but I still think security cameras are needed, especially in the parking lots that are on the edge of campus. It doesn’t take long for someone to break into a car and steal something.”

(You can see Copple’s original story here.

Since the break in, Copple’s car has been repaired. The replacement for the window that had been smashed had to be ordered, and took two weeks before it was repaired. Being left without a car was challenging, as Copple works in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

“There really wasn’t much security could do,” Copple says of the incident. “I don’t blame them for anything. They can’t watch every part of campus at all times. That’s why I think cameras are needed.”

All suspicious activity in campus parking lots should be reported to campus security immediately. The number is 712-274-5234. In addition, with the end of the semester around the corner, remember to leave cars locked at all times as students pack their cars to move home.