REPORTED OFFENSE: On May 7, 2024, IUPD received a report of an attempted motor vehicle theft, including damage to a door lock, a broken window, and damage to the steering column. The vehicle was a Kia Sorento. On April 25, 2024, IUPD reviewing the South Bend PD crime log discovered a motor vehicle theft being investigated by South Bend Police Department on IU geography.
TIME AND LOCATION OF OFFENSE: The May 7th report occurred overnight between May 6 and 7 in the River Crossing parking lot. The April 25th report occurred in the early morning hours of April 25 on the 1100 block of 20th Street.
SUSPECT: The suspect(s) in the motor vehicle theft incidents are unknown. Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime is encouraged to call the IU South Bend Police Department at 574-520-4239.
SAFETY TIPS: In an effort to keep yourself and others safe, please consider the following safety tips:
- If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle, contact the car maker to find out if you qualify to receive the free anti-theft software upgrade.
- Do not lend your keys to anyone you do not know and trust.
- Always hide valuables and money so they cannot be seen through windows.
- Park in well-lit, regularly frequented areas if possible, and lock all doors and roll up windows.
- Always report suspicious behavior. IU has blue light emergency phones located throughout the campus that connect directly to IUPD.
- Install a steering wheel locking device.
- Install quality video surveillance cameras and alarms.
- Install a GPS tracking device.
- Never leave your car running.
- Contact dealerships regarding anti-theft options for the vehicle.
- Keep information, such as the make, model, model year, license plate and Vehicle Identification Number accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen.
- Familiarize yourself with campus parking by reviewing lots on campus via the following link: https://southbend.iu.edu/administration/parking-services/index.html
Additional information relating to Kia and Hyundai:
- Thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have occurred across the country with millions of vehicles targeted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued information about theft deterrent software that is provided free for customers: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/hyundai-kia-campaign-prevent-vehicle-theft
- Hyundai provides free anti-theft software upgrades: https://www.hyundaiantitheft.com/
- Kia provides free anti-theft software upgrades: https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD.
Additional safety tips can be found online at: https://protect.iu.edu/police-safety/safety-prevention/index.html
STAY INFORMED:
Update your information on the IU Notify page to receive the most up-to-date notifications. Instructions for how to update your contact information are found at: https://kb.iu.edu/d/avvp
SAFETY RESOURCES:
Download the IU Rave Guardian Safety app to access personal safety resources. For more information visit: https://protect.iu.edu/emergency-planning/communication/guardian.html