UTC Students Alarmed by Surge in Vehicle Thefts on Campus

UTC Students on Edge Amid Rising Vehicle Thefts

Chattanooga, TN – As the temperature cools down to a lovely 74°F today with light winds, students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are realizing that some things are hotter than the weather. Namely, the alarming increase in vehicle thefts on and around campus, especially targeting popular vehicles like Hyundai and Kia.

The concern is palpable among the student body, spurred on by the unfortunate incident faced by junior Olivia Herbert. In April of this year, her 2018 Hyundai Elantra was stolen, and she isn’t alone in her worries. Recent reports by UTC Police indicate a trend—of the 20 motor vehicle thefts reported in the last three years, nearly 60% occurred on campus. Talk about alarming!

How Are Cars Getting Stolen?

Herbert’s story is a cautionary tale that has made waves in campus conversations. “Hyundais and Kias are very easy to steal,” she explains. “People can make a [program] on a USB drive that immediately opens up the car. After that, it’s just a matter of taking apart the steering wheel to pop out the ignition and hotwire it.”

As she recounts her experience, it’s clear that walking to a parking lot should be a worry-free endeavor for students. But with tales like Herbert’s, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of anxiety. Freshman Dylan Davenport shared his fears, saying, “I’m very scared of my car being stolen because I like it a lot and it allows me to go places,” highlighting how essential a vehicle can be for students.

Incidents That Shake Your Confidence

Another UTC student, Lauren White, recently had her own scare when her truck was broken into while parked in the Guerry 47-1 lot. “A window was smashed, but thankfully, nothing was stolen from the vehicle,” she said, visibly shaken. “I feel less safe now because it was a piece of my property, and I know that living on the back side of campus is not the safest.”

This string of thefts has left students feeling uneasy, making some, like White, reluctant to park their vehicles in the same area again. The level of concern is real, and campus security is feeling the heat. It’s important for everyone to stay vigilant.

The Silver Lining? Recovery and Resilience

Fortunately for Herbert, her story didn’t end with loss. The police managed to locate her car just two miles from where it was stolen after scanning the license plate on Camp Jordan Parkway. However, this wasn’t without its challenges. “I lost a few things in my car, like my AirPods,” she lamented. Yet, the court struggles that followed were a mountain she continues to climb. “This has been an extremely drawn-out process,” she explains, as she battles for repair costs nearly a year later. Her next court date is set for February 2025—talk about a long road ahead!

After the recovery of her vehicle, it sparked conversations about the pattern of thefts involving Kias and Hyundais specifically. But students need to be aware that any car could fall victim if left unattended too long. It’s crucial to adopt safe parking habits, look out for suspicious activity, and secure personal belongings.

Staying Vigilant

The growing issue of vehicle theft has been a wake-up call for UTC students. They are realizing that being proactive about their personal safety and property could be key to ensuring a smoother college experience. As we enjoy these beautiful autumn temperatures, let’s make sure to keep our car doors locked and stay aware of our surroundings.

After all, our time at UTC should be about making memories, not worrying about what might happen in a parking lot!