A higher presence of patrolling officers has contributed to a steady decline of vandalism to vehicles in the past year.

Students working with the University Police as members of the Huskie Patrol supplement the police vehicles during the week as they patrol the parking lots on foot.

According to University Police records, criminal damage reports dropped from 90 in 2001 to 61 last year. Seven weeks into 2003, there have been five reports of damaged vehicles.

Damage, ranging from broken windows to bent antennae, can be included when vehicles are burglarized, but some cars are damaged without theft involved.

In past years it was not unusual for the University Police to receive a dozen reports of damage over the course of a weekend, said Lt. Matt Kiederlen of University Police.

Kiederlen said there has been a steady decline in the instances of vandalism in the past few years.

“Gravel lots have consistently been a problem,” Kiederlen said, citing their remoteness and accessibility as probable causes.

Kiederlen said that his officers try to concentrate on these vulnerable areas and that officers are continually checking the lots.

The officers are on roving patrol 24 hours a day, Kiederlen said. There is a higher emphasis in the evening hours, and since officers have no set routine, they could be there anytime.

Kiederlen stresses that students should not leave their valuables out.

“It would be a great help to us,” Kiederlen said, adding, “It does work.”