A series of car break-ins over the weekend left students at N.C. Central University shaken and frustrated, according to a report from The Campus Echo, NCCU’s student newspaper. The NCCU Police Department confirmed that 12 vehicles were broken into between 1:55 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Sunday across multiple parking lots on campus.
The incidents occurred in the Martha Street Apartments lot, the Alston Avenue Apartments ADA lot, and the Turner Law/Nursing Building lot, with the latter seeing nine of the break-ins.
Students like Morgan Freeman, a junior majoring in sports medicine, expressed disbelief at the scale of the incidents. “I didn’t realize that it was [over] 10 break-ins. I thought it was only two,” Freeman told The Campus Echo. “That’s absurd.”
The string of break-ins has prompted students to reevaluate their habits. Carlton Whitley, an information technology senior, said he plans to be more cautious about what he leaves in his car. “[I’m] making sure I got everything that’s important to me in my pockets instead of my car,” Whitley said.
For senior Andrew Boakye, the incidents have heightened concerns about safety and potential financial burdens. “It changes a lot,” Boakye said. “I’m not trying to have my car broken into and worry about the expenses.”
University Police identified three suspects through surveillance footage. They are described as juveniles, with specific clothing details provided in a timely warning to the student body.
In response, the police department announced increased patrols in the affected areas. However, some students remain skeptical about the effectiveness of this strategy. Freeman voiced her doubts, stating, “They’re gonna sit and watch. As soon as the police officer leaves or goes to lunch, they’re going to make their mark.”
As the investigation continues, students are left grappling with concerns over safety and the disruption to their campus experience. Updates will be provided by The Campus Echo as new information emerges.
