Security on alert for UH burglars
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
The University of Hawai'i-Manoa increased campus security this weekend after a series of weekend burglaries this month resulted in the loss of more than $40,000 in property.
Starting last night, parking attendants and security officers began monitoring traffic entering the upper campus at East-West Road and at Maile Way, and recording license plate numbers and the make, model and time of entry for all vehicles.
Officers also were assigned to monitor the locations where pedestrian traffic most often enters the campus — along University Avenue at the Metcalf Street traffic light, and along Dole Street opposite the law school.
Security was to be double-staffed during a good portion of the weekend, with officers conducting building checks.
There will be no change in security at access points to athletic facilities on the lower campus, since a number of sports events are scheduled this weekend and extra security was already on duty for those events.
"We will be looking for people who don't appear to have a reason to be on campus, and we will be checking buildings for damaged door locks, lighting conditions or other security concerns that need follow-up," said Donald Dawson, head of security for UH-Manoa.
With classes ending yesterday for spring break, there shouldn't be too many students or faculty on campus through next week, said university spokeswoman Kristen Cabral. Administrative offices will remain open and classes will resume April 1.
The break-ins started the night of March 8 and resumed over the March 15 weekend with burglars stealing computers, cash and personal items. All the break-ins involved forced entry, Dawson said.
The break-ins were reported at Edmondson, Saunders, Gartley and Dean halls, as well as the music complex, the College of Business Administration, Gateway Cafeteria and the barbershop at Hemenway Hall.
Campus security can be reached at 956-8211; for emergencies, call 956-6911. Immediate access to security is available by picking up the handset at campus "blue light" security call boxes.
