Crime on campus

Amy Inkrott / News Editor / The USD Vista

While some students consider the University of San Diego to be a safe campus, recent on-campus crimes have startled members of the community. On the morning of Jan. 23,  the USD community received an alert about a burglary in the Alcalá Vista Apartments. In their email, Public Safety described the suspect as male and “possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” The report also explained that the burglar entered the apartment through an unsecured window. 

This burglary was especially concerning to sophomore Vistas resident Emma Cowger. 

“Its very unsettling,” Cowger said. “I learned about it from the girl who lives next door. It’s scary to think that they were able to get in through a window. I live on the third floor, so it is unlikely that would happen, but it does make me want to be safer.”

Cowger’s roommate, sophomore Kayla Constantino, also shared these feelings of distress. 

Less than a week later, the community was notified about further on-campus criminal activity. Public Safety received a report of an attempted motor vehicle theft of a truck in the West Parking Structure on Jan. 29. In the vehicle, they found evidence of someone tampering with the ignition. Various items were also reported stolen from the truck. Currently, there is no suspect in custody, and it is unclear as to when the crime occured. 

Junior Kayla Weston regularly parks in the West Lot, and was surprised by the attempted vehicle theft. 

“I was definitely a bit concerned,” Weston said. “I was mostly shocked because I feel like there are so many Public Safety officers and people around all the time.”

Despite this, Weston was not concerned about her security on campus. 

“Of all the different colleges, USD is extremely safe and things are bound to happen eventually,” Weston said. “I’m really not too worried about my safety or my car’s safety.” 

The USD Vista contacted Public Safety but did not receive a response. Students are encouraged to call the emergency line at (619) 260-2222 should they see any suspicious activity or fear for their personal safety. Students can also report on-campus crimes by calling (619) 260-7777.