Rampant Car Break-Ins Worry Oroville College Students
Car break-ins have become a major issue for students living at the Oroville Inn in downtown Oroville, California. The students claim that the parking lots behind the inn, along with a nearby secondary parking lot, have become hotspots for criminals. The incidents involve car break-ins, thefts, and even gas siphoning. The situation has prompted a response from the city, as they are implementing a new AI surveillance system to monitor the area and prevent further crimes.
According to students, approximately 20 vehicles have been broken into between the two parking lots since mid-August. Although the police have not confirmed this specific number, they have managed to recover six stolen vehicles since September 27th. The cases led to the arrest of seven minors, with the youngest being just 12 years old, according to Oroville Police Department Lieutenant Gil Zarate.
Titus Meadows, a student, has been a victim of car theft twice. He shared his experience of having his car stolen and spending nearly $5,000 to repair it after it was recovered. Meadows expressed his frustration, stating that his car was first stolen, then later damaged in an attempt to steal it again. Many other students have faced similar ordeals, leading to significant financial loss and distress.
To address the growing problem, the city of Oroville is testing a new AI surveillance system. The system will be installed in the parking lot behind the Oroville Inn and will monitor the area 24/7 for any suspicious activity. However, despite the implementation of this new technology, students are taking additional measures to protect their vehicles. They understand that the police cannot be solely responsible for safeguarding their cars and are considering performing their own security patrols.
The car break-ins have had a profound impact on the students’ sense of security. Some have resorted to sleeping in their cars to ensure they aren’t stolen during the remaining weeks of their training. The fear of losing their vehicles adds to the stress of their already demanding academic schedules.
The type of vehicles targeted in these break-ins primarily includes Kias and Hyundais. According to local authorities, this is due to a TikTok trend circulating among teens that provides instructions on how to gain unauthorized entry into these vehicles. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey mentioned that the minors involved in these crimes are often repeat offenders. He also expressed frustration with a state law that prevents officers from questioning a minor without the presence of an attorney, hindering their ability to gather information about the actual culprits.
Despite the introduction of the new surveillance system, students are concerned that the thieves will continue to target future classes. Alexander Larsen, a student, emphasized their collective determination to protect their property and fellow students. He urged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Larsen assured that if anything seems amiss, the students would take immediate action to safeguard their community.
In conclusion, the rampant car break-ins at the Oroville Inn have been a cause of distress for college students. The incidents have prompted the city to implement a new AI surveillance system, while students have taken it upon themselves to increase their security measures. The repeated car thefts and break-ins have raised concerns about students’ safety, financial losses, and sleepless nights. As the college community looks forward to graduation in a few weeks, they hope that the new surveillance system will provide some level of relief and prevent future crimes.
