As students returned home from spring break, residents in the South Donahue Residence Hall discovered several of their valuables missing.
According to the Auburn Police Division news release, “assorted electronic devices, video game consoles and jewelry” were reported stolen March 29.
“We can’t identify victims other than to say that some of the residents returned home and discovered their dorm rooms had been forcefully entered when they returned from break,” said Capt. Lorenza Dorsey of the APD. “I gather right now we have about eight victims…The biggest thing that we would ask is that students or any citizens report anything suspicion, any one suspicious.”
Jordan Orris, junior in interdisciplinary studies and South Donahue resident, said nothing was stolen from her dorm nor does she know who the victims are, but she was notified of the thefts upon returning to the hall.
“I hadn’t heard about it over break, but when I got home (Sunday), everybody had notes taped to their doors, and it basically said there had been a break-in over the break,” Orris said.“It didn’t specify which suites people had gone into, but people had broken into it. The letter said it was athletic stuff and game consoles, so I’m assuming it’s the fourth or fifth floors, which are boys’ floors and athletes throughout the dorm.”
Orris said she hasn’t noticed increased security around the dorms and has always felt safe in the dorms.
“I really don’t have much worry when I’m living here at all," Orris said."I was really surprised to hear that something like this happened. I’m just glad Auburn is taking this seriously and notified us about it, so I hope people are able to get their stuff recovered and found.”
Dr. Virginia Koch, director of residence life, sent all South Donahue residents a letter April 1. The letter stated the “suspect(s) forcibly entered or attempted to forcibly enter 12 separate suites in South Donahue.” Her letter also states the Auburn Police Division is currently investigating the case and there will be “increased foot patrol in and around South Donahue.” Koch wrote in the address that residence life is “currently evaluating potential security enhancements.”
Koch listed safety reminders for students in the letter.
Koch said because the investigation is on-going, she is not permitted to comment beyond what is stated in her letter to the residents.
Resident Assistants of the South Donahue dorms were not allowed to comment per the professional staff’s request.
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