laptop, gps stolen from mcintyre, waterman parking lots

When Junior Brogan Wells woke up Friday, Aug. 20, she didn't expect to hear that the cars in the McIntyre Hall parking lot had been broken into. Nor did she expect to see that her Pontiac Grand-Am had been rummaged through and was without its iPod adapter. Wells' car, and any other cars left unlocked the night before, had been broken into.
All told, Wells' iPod adapter, a laptop and two GPS units were stolen from four cars at McIntyre and Waterman Residences Friday, Aug. 20, two weeks before the school year began. Director of Security Mike Wertz verified the break-ins and said the Hillsdale Police Department is investigating the matter.
"I can tell you that we've recovered property, a person that has been found on unrelated charges with the property, is in custody, with charges pending from the Jonesville Police Department," said Detective Brad Martin of the Hillsdale Police Department. Martin said the case involving the break ins of multiple vehicles and stolen property is still open.
Detective Sgt. Gordy Bigelow of the Jonesville Police Department said the suspect, whose name is being withheld pending charges, was detained in Jonesville after he was found with multiple stolen goods, including GPSs, at a Jonesville pawn shop. Bigelow said a warrant would be issued within the next week and the suspect will be arrested on separate charges.
"It's all our own faults," Wells said. "You never think there's going to be a problem in Hillsdale until something like this happens."
Wells said several cars were broken into and showed evidence of someone rummaging around. She said one car had a window pushed down in order for the thief to get access to a GPS unit.
"We're in such a comfortable community," Wells said. "And you don't think anything can happen – it's never a good surprise when something does happen."
Martin said he would caution students about leaving expensive items in a car overnight and if students still choose to do so, to place the items out of sight and to lock the car doors.
Hillsdale Security sent out an e-mail notice Friday, Sept. 3, reminding students to be wary of strange individuals on campus and to keep their belongings safe.
"Really, I'd like to do that at least once a year, especially when Christmas comes up," Wertz said.
Wertz said Christmas time is when students should be especially wary, as some people "get desperate around Christmas time."