Thieves will stop at nothing to grab loot

Thieves are getting brave at North Lake. Leaving behind simple theft of backpacks and sunglasses, suspects have set their sights on expensive items, such as iPods, laptops, credit cards and even a car from the NLC parking lot.

That's right — a criminal drove away with someone's car at 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 14. Luckily, it was almost immediately recovered by the Dallas Police Department.

North Lake Chief of Police Chris Drake recommends that students and faculty roll up their windows all the way and lock all doors. Even leaving windows cracked for ventilation can be dangerous. Drake also recommends that those on campus hide their valuables such as MP3 players, CD cases, sunglasses and electronic chargers, and remove the stereo's faceplate if possible. Valuables should be secured in a locked glove box or trunk.

To prevent auto theft, Drake encourages North Lake students and staff to invest in steering wheel locking devices and metal collars. He also reveals that drivers should leave headlights in a high beam setting so that when the car is started the lights will alert police and cause them to stop the driver. As a general safety tip, Drake advises that students attending evening classes park in a well-lit area.

Drake also recommends that all drivers enroll in the Texas Department of Public Safety H.E.A.T. program by visiting http://records.txdps. state.tx.us/heat/default.cfm.

From campus phones: Dial 911 from any campus phone for all police services, both emergency and non-emergency.

From mobile or other non- DCCCD phones: Dial DCCCD Police Communications directly at 972-860-4521 when requesting police services. Do not dial 911 from your mobile phone for non-emergency matters.

Police Log

Sept. 1: Theft $50-$500 - Two unsecured motorcycle helmets were stolen from a parked motorcycle.

Sept. 1: Theft under $50 - A person stole two tickets to a convention. Sept. 11: Burglary of Vehicle - Someone broke into a vehicle and stole a stereo and an iPod.

Sept. 12: Theft under $50 - A periodic table of elements chart was stolen from a classroom.

Sept. 14: Theft $20,000- $100,000 - A vehicle was stolen from campus parking lot. It was almost immediately recovered by Dallas Police Department.

Sept. 18: Theft $50-$500 - Several credit cards and other personal effects were stolen from an unattended purse.

Sept. 20: Theft $50-$500 -A Sony Playstation, videogames and a wallet were stolen from a secured locker in the men's locker room.

Sept. 20: Theft under $50 - An instructor reported her set of keys stolen.

Sept. 21: Theft $50-$500 - An unattended purse was stolen from the NLC Art Gallery. Oct. 5: Theft $500-$1500 - An unattended laptop in the cafeteria was stolen.

Oct. 9: Theft under $50 - A textbook was stolen from the Testing Center.

— Bradley Bowen is a journalism major.