It’s a sign of our troubled economic times.


In recent weeks, WCC students, faculty and staff have been victimized by a rash of thefts around campus. 


Thefts included a stolen purse from an office in Hale ‘Akoakoa, a bag taken from the art studio in Hale Palanakila (while class was in session), two auto break-ins and a stolen moped in the Hale Palanakila parking lot.


This sudden escalation has many concerned. Student Monica Spencer was victimized when her Ford Mustang was broken into Sept. 22 in the Palanakila parking lot.


“I was really shocked—nothing like this has ever happened to me,” said Spencer. “I feel so violated.”


Spencer returned to her car parked in the middle of the lot after a mid-day class to find it had been ransacked. 


The thieves had punched in the lock with a screwdriver and pried open the driver’s door. She said they took the carʻs documentation and insurance card.


“They went through my glove box and had the time to get what they wanted,” she said. 


“It’s scary—I don’t know if someone has been watching me (referring to the personal information taken)—you’ve got to watch out for stuff like that.”


To improve safety around campus, Spencer said she would like to see cameras and more security guards to watch the lots.


“I think something like that would be really good for this campus,” she said. “You never know what’s going to happen…”


Spencer’s ordeal and others like hers haven’t fallen on deaf ears. Efforts are under way to improve WCC’s security.


“We will be installing seven Code Blue phones, six security cameras and seven public address systems campus wide, “ said Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Clifford Togo. 


“Hopefully, the system will be finished by the end of this semester.”


Currently, WCC uses a private security company, which has only one guard on campus 24/7. Togo said that, in the future, they hope to have more guards available.


“Two university officer positions have been appropriated to WCC,” he said, “but we can’t move on that yet due to the governor’s freeze on spending.”


Togo wants to reassure students that WCC administrators are working on the problem, but stresses that awareness is a big step.


“If there is anything that seems suspicious at all, call our campus security,” said Togo. 


“If it is an urgent situation, don’t hesitate to call HPD.”


Spencer also believes that awareness is important.


“If you don’t speak up about it and get the word out to others that it can and has happened,” she said, “nothing can be done and it will continue to happen.”


Togo also said students shouldn’t leave belongings in plain view in their vehicles. 


Students should also lock bicycles and mopeds in open areas near buildings and keep their bags and belongings within their view at all times.


“Students are our best allies,” he said.


In case of emergency, campus security can be reached at 235-7355 or at 355 from any campus phone.