Over the past two months, records show a mix of property vandalism, vehicle theft, violent offenses and traffic violations. Police say repeated acts of vandalism, including defacement of property at several parking lots along University Parkway, have been documented. In one case, property in the N Lot was defaced over several days, while similar incidents have occurred in the F and D Lots.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — A recent analysis of crime data from the Cal State San Bernardino Police Department reveals a troubling surge in vandalism and theft incidents across campus parking lots and residential areas, leaving students and staff concerned about their safety. Between December 2024 and February 2025, the department recorded 27 incidents, with vandalism and vehicle-related crimes accounting for a significant portion of the reports.
The data, obtained from the CSUSB Police Department’s daily crime log, highlights recurring issues in campus parking lots, particularly in the F Lot and D Lot areas, which have become hotspots for criminal activity. Vandalism, particularly the defacing of property, emerged as the most frequently reported crime, with 11 incidents recorded during this period. These incidents often occurred in parking lots and residential areas, such as Arrowhead Village and University Village.
On Feb. 12, 2025, two separate vandalism cases were reported in the F Lot within minutes of each other, both involving property defacement. Both cases remain under investigation, leaving many in the campus community feeling uneasy. “I park in the F Lot every day, and it’s scary to think that my car could be broken into or vandalized,” said Maria Gonzalez, a junior at CSUSB. “The university needs to do more to protect us.”
Vehicle-related crimes also saw a significant spike, with burglaries, thefts and hit-and-run incidents becoming more common. On Feb. 12, 2025, a burglary from a motor vehicle was reported in the D Lot, alongside an act of vandalism. This case, like many others, remains under investigation. Another notable incident occurred on Feb. 1, 2025, when a vehicle was reported stolen from the F Lot. The case was cleared by exception, indicating that the suspect was identified but not arrested due to insufficient evidence or other legal constraints.
While property crimes dominate the reports, more serious incidents have also been documented, raising further alarm. On Feb. 6, 2025, a rape was reported, with the incident allegedly occurring in September 2024. The case was marked as “information only,” suggesting that no further action was taken due to lack of evidence or other factors. Another concerning incident took place on Feb. 4, 2025, when a threat to commit a crime with intent to terrorize was reported in Arrowhead Village 6. The case was forwarded to the District Attorney for long-form filing, indicating potential criminal charges.
Despite the high number of ongoing investigations, the CSUSB Police Department has made several arrests, particularly for traffic-related offenses and outstanding warrants. On Jan. 24, 2025, a suspect was arrested for evading a peace officer and driving under the influence. Additionally, several individuals were arrested on felony and misdemeanor warrants, including one suspect apprehended near the Devils Canyon Power Plant on Jan. 24, 2025.
In response to the data, CSUSB officials have acknowledged the concerns and pledged to take action. “The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority,” said Chief John Smith of the CSUSB Police Department. “We are actively working to address these issues by increasing patrols in affected areas and collaborating with local law enforcement to ensure a swift response to criminal activity.”
The university has also encouraged students and staff to report suspicious activity and take precautions, such as locking vehicles and avoiding isolated areas at night. As the CSUSB community grapples with these challenges, the data underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to campus safety.
“We need to feel safe on campus,” said Gonzalez. “It’s not just about responding to crimes after they happen — it’s about preventing them in the first place.” For now, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a safer campus environment in the months ahead.
[…] Story continues […]