Stanford reports spate of auto burglaries, parts thefts on campus

Hoover Tower rises above the Stanford University campus on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

Several car break-ins and thefts of auto parts have been reported on the Stanford University campus between Oct. 23 and Jan 12., according to an alert recently issued by the school’s Department of Public Safety (DPS).

“Perpetrators have stolen wheels (tires & rims), catalytic converters, hybrid batteries, hoods, and bumpers from mostly Toyota automobiles,” the alert said.

According to the DPS, most incidents occurred between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. or during the overnight hours.

The thefts have taken place at different locations on campus.

A total of three incidents took place in the Wilbur Parking Lot.

The others occurred at the following locations:

— Block Lane W (parking lot behind Mayfield Row)

— 63 Campus Drive (Governor’s Corner Parking Lot)

— 955 Mears Court

— 585 Cowell Lane

Among the most targeted models are Toyota’s Prius, Yaris and Corolla, according to the DPS alert. From those cars, thieves took wheels (tires and rims), catalytic converters, hybrid batteries, hoods, and bumpers.

Apart from Toyotas, thieves also targeted a Honda Element and a Ford F150.

“Currently, no suspect information has been obtained,” the DPS said in its statement.

According to figures from DPS, the number of car break-ins and burglaries jumped to 50 so far this school year, compared to 21 incidents reported the previous year.

To prevent more car burglaries on campus, Bill Larson, Stanford DPS’s public information officer, said that they have ramped up patrols.