Cars Looted in Terrace Garage

Ten cars parked in the Peabody Terrace garage suffered about $3500 in collective thefts last week, police reported yesterday.

The items stolen ranged from tools to sleeping bags, according to Jack Morse, the University's deputy police chief.

"There were attempted removals of car radios," Morse said. "But none succeeded." So far the police have no suspects relating the thefts, which all occurred after dark at the off-campus housing complex located next to Mather House, Morse said.

"There was a young man seen climbing down a tree beside the building," said Morse. "But it appears there is more than one thief [involved]." He said no detailed description of the young man was available.

Last year there were a total of 932 thefts on campus reported to the Harvard police, Morse said. In the first six months of this year, 445 thefts were reported.

Although some undergraduates live at Peabody Terrace, most residents are graduate students, often with their families.

Alphonse L. Birtelle, a Peabody resident, said $2000 worth of power tools were stolen from her husband's truck last week.

"We just moved in, and we were very upset and shocked," said Birtelle. "I think they should have a security guard [in the garage]."

Another resident, Erica L. Marc, complainedthat the electronic door to the garage remainsopen too long, allowing potential thieves accessto students' vehicles.

"This sort of thing happens every day," said asecurity guard who requested anonymity. Yet headded, "there is less crime here than otherdorms.