Dozens of cars broken into at off-campus student housing near UH

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Dozens of vehicles were broken into at an apartment complex near the University of Houston campus.

The fifth floor garage of Campus Vue apartments was the hardest hit with broken glass everywhere. Police say they started getting reports of the break-ins at the off-campus apartment on MacGregor just after 7:30am Tuesday.

The break-ins happened sometime overnight and police are still counting the number of cases.

"I heard a car alarm but didn't think much of it because it stopped," resident Juan Castillo said.

It's just the second day of classes and students say the apartment garage is gated but left open while many students finish moving in.

The thieves seemed to be after cash and electronics but some students were surprised expensive golf clubs and shoes were left behind.

"I think it's ridiculous because we all go to school and work hard. I don't think they realize a lot of us have jobs and work hard for the things we have, it's not cool when people come and take them away from us," James Lumbley said.

The students who live in the off-campus apartment say they pay extra to park in the garage and thought that would mean a more secure area.

"What if a student ran into them, they are obviously dangerous people. Something really bad could have happened. I had to miss class because of this, unbelievable," Castillo added.

Houston police say the thefts are a reminder not to leave valuables in your car.

If you have any information call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or HPD Auto Theft Division.