On Sunday, Jan. 23, UNCW police arrested three young men suspected of stealing thousands of dollars worth of property from 12 cars on campus. At 5:30 a.m., UNCW police responded to a phone call from a female student returning to the on-campus apartments who saw a Jeep driving around slowly without its headlights on.

Campus police pulled over the jeep and arrested the perpetrators: David Franks, 19; Dwayne Moore, 19; and Thomas Evans, 19; none of which were UNCW students.

Using a screwdriver stolen from one of the vehicles and a baseball bat, the three men smashed the rear windows of twelve cars on campus and stole car stereos, CDs, cell phones, and other personal belongings. The suspects smashed

windows of both locked and unlocked vehicles.

According to the NC Department of Corrections, Moore, who remains in police custody with a $10,000 bond, has a prior criminal record consisting of two counts of assault on a female; two counts of breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; and three counts of forgery. Moore was recently released from jail in December 2004 after serving time for these offenses.

All three of the young men are scheduled to appear in court mid-February where they face felony and misdemeanor charges of breaking and entering of an automobile, larceny and vandalism. Additionally, they face charges for similar crimes committed earlier that morning within the city of Wilmington’s jurisdiction.

Because the suspects broke into 12 different cars from multiple lots around campus – suites, apartments, and Honors – it is likely they were on campus for some time. The incident has caused many students to wonder how something like this could this have happened on a campus where the police appear to be constantly visible.

“We all were very surprised that this happened, I have never felt that this campus was anything but safe,” said Megan Ennes, an RA in the Honors House.

Lieutenant Mitchell Cook of the UNCW Police suggests that is it possible that other students saw the three young men but since they were unsure if they were doing anything wrong they decided not to contact the police. He suggests that in those situations it is best to let the police check it out.

The Campus Crime and Security Report identifies burglary as the most frequent criminal offense committed on campus with 56 incidents reported in 2003.

To report a crime or any suspicious activity students can contact campus police by dialing 962-4911 for emergencies; 962-3184 for non-emergencies; or 962-8477 to leave an anonymous tip.