Graphic design major Daniel Montano spoke out against the recent thefts that took place in various locations of Cerritos College in the past few weeks which have affected his studies in multiple ways.

With the crime going on on campus, such as the thefts at the Math Success Center, and the Journalism Department and the break in at the Student Activities Center, Montano suggests campus police to pick up the pace with security measures.

“I was in that class,” Montano said about where he was when he first heard of the theft.

“this [theft] really set us back, those computers were our resources to complete our work and now we resort to time limits.”

Student safety is a crucial part of a student’s college experience, and Cerritos College Police Chief Richard Bukowieki assures all students that the Cerritos College campus are indeed safe.

“Crime is always happening at all times of the day, but students’ safety is not at any stake, we are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days,” said Bukowiecki.

Montano is concerned about his own safety and goes on to explain what security measures he believes should be added to the school.

“Security cameras at every entrance could really help, or maybe campus police could put a little more effort into patrolling the school more often,” said Montano.

Bukoweiki commented that while the department is working on new security measures, he cannot release any information since it may hinder their efforts.

“It is actually not the person that is targeted, but their belongings such as their cell phones, backpacks, articles of clothing,” said Bukowiecki.

“Students could do their part to decrease those thefts by being more aware of their personal belongings.”

Welding major Mark Campbell said he doesn’t think any more security is needed and that he feels as safe on campus as he would at home.

“Well campus police is doing its job as best it can, and they have the resources to deal with any suspicious activity,” Campbell said.

Bukoweiki also explains that several emergency phones are available throughout campus for students to use to report any suspicious activity.

“These phones are there for the students to feel they can reach us at any time, they are red, and we encourage them to use these resources to help us bring the campus crime rate even lower,” said Bukowiecki.

As an added service, students taking night or late classes can call campus police and request an escort to their car. All to ensure the students’ safety, Bukoweiki added.

Here are several and different tips that could help all the students decrease their chances of being a theft victim.

• If driving to school, always roll up the windows and lock the car.
• Park in busy, well-lighted areas.
• When driving, keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.
• Do not leave your personal items unattended, even for a minute.
• Always keep a look out for any suspicious behavior or activity and report it to campus police as soon as possible.

If further assistance is needed or for more information contact the Cerritos College Campus Police Department at (562) 860-2451 Ext. 2325