Security Update: Burglaries and Break-Ins

Rumors swirl regarding break-in incidents reported to security.

According to students, burglaries on campus are the latest problem of the semester exacerbated by rumors of all sorts. After hearing stories of these break-ins on Facebook, parents have been calling the Office of Safety and Security, concerned that their students might not be safe. Worry relating to these reports has resulted in numerous reports of suspicious behavior from students, which the Office of Safety and Security is glad to receive. Thankfully, John Blaisdell, Director of Safety and Security, has been more than willing to share information with the community regarding these reported incidents.

As previously covered in the Circle, there was a theft reported to security on November 7 in a Foy Townhouse. A bag had been reported missing and the situation was being investigated when a credit card from the bag began to be used locally. The police were involved, and an arrest was made in the incident based on the use of this credit card. It was unclear whether the person who was using the card was the same person who took the card from the house. 

Upon returning from Thanksgiving break, students reported that their Upper New Townhouse was rummaged through and that a variety of items were stolen, including sunglasses, socks, underwear and an electronic device. It was unclear how someone entered the apartment, but students believe entry was through the back window, which had been left unlocked. Security responded by hiring Town of Poughkeepsie police officers to staff the Foy and Upper New area in addition to the usual security staff patrols.

On December 4, students reported that an intruder attempted to enter a Lower West Cedar townhouse through an open window on the lower level of the house. The intruder was confronted by students and then retreated. In this incident, the students did not immediately contact Security. When Security was contacted, all camera footage of the area was reviewed and then turned over to police, who are continuing to investigate. Additionally, police presence on campus was enhanced.

In one incident, which Blaisdell shared with the Marist community as a gesture of transparency, students called Security around 4:15am on December 7 reporting that they heard their kitchen window open and close, and then rummaging. At the time, a police officer was stationed at Lower West and a Marist security vehicle was also on patrol in the Lower West quad. As a result of this positioning, the response to this call was less than one minute. No one was found when the house was searched, but the windows, while closed, had been left unlocked. 

To ensure that students feel safe, several precautions are being taken by Security. The Town of Poughkeepsie police will continue to be present on campus. Grounds will be cutting back bushes and shrubbery near windows. Additionally, all window screens are being replaced and sticks are being provided to students for their windows as an extra security measure. On top of that, boards are being provided to students for certain window-types. Unfortunately, students have already begun removing the new screens provided to them. 

The College recognized that some students were using the lower-level windows to access their residence after misplacing their keys, and as a result, the College waived the $25 key replacement fee for the rest of the semester. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Safety and Security to immediately replace their key.

Details regarding preparations for winter break were communicated to Marist students by Blaisdell on December 10, and as always, students are encouraged to avoid leaving valuable items like jewelry, cash and electronics in their residences over break. 

With the facts of these incidents in mind, the Office of Safety and Security is encouraging students to close and secure all doors and windows, particularly at night. Any suspicious behavior should be reported immediately by calling Marist Security at 845-471-1822.