The recent uptick in burglaries in some parts of Fresno is reflected at Fresno City College.

According to the Fresno Police department website, Detective Haywood Irving reported a 31 percent rise in vehicle burglaries throughout the Northwest Fresno this year.

Likewise at FCC, there have been 34 burglaries of vehicles from June 1, 2015 to Nov. 17, 2015, according to Richard Gaines, interim police chief of the State Center Community College District.

Gaines says that some of the burglaries could be avoided with a little knowledge on what to do and what not to do while on campus.

“The best way for our students, faculty and staff to protect themselves is to be aware of their surroundings, keep valuables in their possession or out of sight if left in a vehicle,” Gaines said.

He added ,”a number of the thefts we have investigated have been the result of someone leaving their backpack and/or laptop computer, or some other valuable possession unattended.”

Second year Fresno City College student Frank Torres had his car burglarized in broad daylight two blocks from school campus on Oct. 30. Torres said he believes he accidentally left his car unlocked because his windows were not shattered.

“They took my gym bag with my iPod in it, and the spare change in my cup holder,” said Torres. I am just glad they did not break my windows, because that would have been expensive.”

Torres said he did not report it since he did not think his things would have any chance of being recovered, and that he will be buying a parking pass next semester.

According to Gaines, individuals committing these crimes are often watching the possible victims, waiting for them to leave one of their items unattended.

He added that these crimes are considered crimes of opportunity and can be greatly reduced as long as everyone keeps their valuables in their possession at all times.

Gaines also said vehicles left unlocked, windows not rolled up all the way and items of interest left in plain view add to the potential of a vehicle being broken into.

There have also been 14 burglaries of buildings on the FCC campus. Gaines said the burglars target items such as computers, tablets, TV’s, cellular phones, miscellaneous electronic devices as well as any other item of value that can be sold quickly.

Gaines said students, faculty, staff and campus visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times and report anything that looks suspicious to the police department at (559) 442-4600.