Crime on Northern Kentucky University’s campus has seen a spike during the past weeks, resulting in a rise in vehicle break-ins and stolen textbooks.

Four vehicles located in Parking Lot U, near the University Suites, were broken into the night of Nov. 7 or early in the morning Nov. 8, according to Mark Knipper, sergeant of University Police.

According to Harold Todd, Chief of UP, the rise in crime on campus reflects a rise in crime in communities around campus.

Several months ago a string of six to seven vehicle break-ins happened on campus, but UP was not able to find who was responsible. However this time, Todd said thanks to a student who witnessed the recent crime, the offices have some good leads in these cases and are “working in conjunction with the surrounding cities.”

In response to the vehicle break-ins, Todd assigned an extra officer to work the night shift.

According to Todd, whoever is responsible for the crimes goes out in the dark to crowded parking lots to make what the person is doing less evident.

Regarding the vehicle break-ins, Todd emphasized the importance of students keeping an extra eye on their surroundings and said to “be alert in the parking lots, especially at night.”

Along with the vehicle break-ins, since Nov. 1, nine people have reported having their textbooks stolen from various buildings on campus, with the bulk of the thefts occurring in Louie B. Nunn Hall.

The rise in textbook thefts did not surprise Todd, who said, “At this time every semester more textbooks are stolen.”

Captain David Tobergte from UP sent out an e-mail to all students who live on campus informing them of the recent increase in vehicle break-ins and textbook thefts and urging them to “Please take any necessary precautions to prevent future thefts and report suspicious activity immediately.”

The UP is also working with Betty Mulkey, director of Student Life, who sends out the weekly Norse News Network informational e-mail to all students to get the word out about the recent crimes.