Last week, University Police investigated several burglaries in Cayuga Hall, which led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man. 

At least five rooms were entered during the burglary, two of which were unoccupied. Residents from the remaining three rooms were asleep at the time of the incidents; however, all five doors were unlocked.

Per UP, at least one laptop was damaged during the theft, as well.

Following the chain of robberies, Cayuga residents were sent an email reminding them to always lock their doors.

The email stated that several students reported items of various values were stolen following the incident. The burglaries took place either while students were asleep or not present in their rooms. All rooms entered, per the letter, were unlocked.

No students were hurt while the crimes were committed, according to newly-appointed interim chief of UP, Kevin Velzy.

“I want this to be a learning experience for everyone on campus to lock their doors, so we tell people at orientation, we tell them at programs all the time ‘lock your doors, safeguard your valuables’ and it just seems like the message doesn’t get through to people,” Velzy said. “I don’t know if it’s that they’re too comfortable in their surroundings or what it is, but they just don’t seem to want to secure where they live and where they sleep.”

Following the reports of stolen items, UP responded quickly in identifying the intruder and removed him from the residential campus community. Charges are still pending at this time.

The identity and hometown of the arrested student have not been released.

UP insisted that students safeguard their own belongings, as students play a big role in protecting their own property.

Due to a new policy for the 2019 – 2020 school year, only residents of a building are allowed access through their school IDs. All guests after 11:00 p.m. must be checked in with a resident of the building at the front desk.

Following the incident, the Counseling Services were made available for those in need of support. Oswego State’s Counseling Center is located in 202 Hewitt Hall, where the services are available Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If students cannot meet the aforementioned schedule, they may receive crisis counseling by dialing 315-312-4416 and choosing the second option.

A different option available for students is “Let’s Talk,” available in Penfield Library room 211 on Mondays starting at 12:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The service is also available on Tuesdays in Johnson Hall’s study room between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

If students need to report a crime, they can reach University Police at 315-312-5555, as police are available twenty-four hours every day.

Besides calling UP at the aforementioned phone line, students can also download the Rave Guardian safety app on their phones and send anonymous tips, which include taking pictures on their phones and sending them to report a crime.

At the time that this story was reported, The Oswegonian had reached out to Cayuga Hall staff, although they were unable to make any comments.

Image from Oswego State University Police Facebook Page