String of burglaries in Warriner Hall
Within a month and a half, Warriner Hall has been the subject of several unsolved burglaries.
The Central Michigan University Police Department is currently investigating nine separate incidents that occurred in more than 15 offices in the building.
Mike Morrow, a CMU Police detective sergeant, said cash and personal items have been stolen from the work areas. He said he believes the burglaries are connected because of similarities in stolen items and modes of operation.
The last reported incident of a burglary in Warriner Hall was reported last Thursday, although Morrow said it probably happened earlier.
"The fact that we are finding evidence of forced entry leads us to believe the crimes are happening when the doors are locked," he said.
Because the investigations are ongoing, Morrow declined to comment on specific details regarding the crimes.
This string of burglaries is uncommon, he said, and Morrow said police have no suspects. It is hard to determine when some of the crimes occurred because some victims will not notice they are missing possessions right away, he said.
"People arrested for breaking and enterings in the past have been a mixture of students and non-students," Morrow said. "I'd like to avoid guessing until we find more evidence."
Burglary is a felony and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Morrow said the victims feel violated.
"To have people break in and steal things from your personal area is very upsetting," he said.
The break-ins have come in clumps, such as six or seven in a three-day period and some of the investigations total more than one office.
Another burglary was reported July 6 in the lower level of the Finch Fieldhouse. Morrow said it doesn't appear to be connected to the burglaries reported in Warriner Hall because of a difference in methods of operation.
David Burdette, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, works in Warriner Hall and said more security and an increased sense of awareness is encouraged for faculty in the building.
"I think security is everyone's business," he said. "I'm not worried, but it is a concern."
Morrow said to avoid burglaries people should keep their offices locked and their money out of sight. If a burglary does happen, call the police immediately, he said.
"We're working on it and doing our best to collect evidence," he said.
A $250 cash reward is being offered for anyone with any information leading to an arrest. The CMU Police Department can be reached at 774-3081 or the anonymous tip line at 774-1847.
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