University of New Mexico Boosts Security on Campus

University of New Mexico Boosts Security on Campus

The UNM Police Department believes the carjacking incidents were committed by the same group of people and are increasing nighttime patrols, according to spokesman Tim Stump.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • October 09, 2018

The president of the University of New Mexico issued a statement about her intent to step up security after two recent carjackings on the main campus.

There have been two recent instances of students having their cars stolen at gunpoint, according to university president Garnett Stokes. She said no arrests have been made, but officers are pursuing leads in the investigations.

“In both cases, it appears that these crimes were not the work of a single individual,” Stokes said. “While no one was physically harmed in either incident, the crimes have traumatized the victims and understandably led to alarm among those who live, work and gather at the university. I have also heard from distressed parents who are asking what UNM is doing to keep students safe.”

In an email to the entire university campus, she stressed the importance of safety and said that she had advised university police to increase their presence on campus.

“I want to assure you that the well-being and safety of everyone on campus is our most important priority,” she said. “Officers will saturate the community and increase the visibility of mobile unit, bicycle and foot patrols, especially during the evening and late-night hours.”

The UNM Police Department believes the carjacking incidents were committed by the same group of people and are increasing nighttime patrols, according to spokesman Tim Stump.

He encouraged people on campus to stay aware of their surroundings. “If you see anything suspicious, contact us,” he said.

UNM had the most auto theft incidents among universities nationwide in 2016, and the number of auto thefts have risen since, with a total of 222 incidents in 2017.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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