Put your junk in your trunk

Some people must not want to keep their valuables.

North Lake's police department has spotted a growing trend - the theft of personal belongings, such as cell phones, iPods and watches.

Several items were stolen after they were left unattended in common areas of the campus, including the cafeteria and gallery. Other unattended valuables were visible in vehicles, prompting crooks to break into the car and steal the precious loot. Some people made it even easier for the thieves by leaving their car doors unlocked.

"Secure your belongings in your trunk," Officer Brian Hall recommends.

In other words, leave your valuables at home. If you must leave them in your vehicle, keep them out of sight.

Otherwise, you're asking for it.

From campus phones: Dial 911 from any campus phone for emergency services. For non-emergency services, dial ext. 4290.

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

Police Log

Feb. 14: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - A citation was issued at the South Irving Center for possession of marijuana. The offense was downgraded to possession of drug paraphernalia due to a minute amount of the detectable drug. No prosecution.

Feb. 15: Burglary of a Vehicle - A gym bag containing clothes and medication was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the north parking lot.

Feb. 19: Burglary of a Vehicle - A suspect intending to commit theft broke into a vehicle at the NLC Academy. Nothing was stolen, but damage occurred.

Feb. 19: Burglary of a Vehicle - A suspect broke into a vehicle at the NLC Academy and stole assorted CD's and an amplifier. Feb. 19: Theft $50-$500 - An unattended cell phone was stolen from the NLC Cafeteria.

Feb. 24: Fail/Duty on Striking Unattended Vehicle - Someone struck and damaged an unattended vehicle and failed to leave required information (hitand- run).

- Bradley Bowen is a journalism major at North Lake.