Safety information after vehicle break-ins at UAHS
Statement from Keith Hall, Upper Arlington Chief of Police, and Dr. Robert Hunt, Superintendent of Upper Arlington Schools
This morning, approximately 18 vehicles were broken into in one of the parking lots at Upper Arlington High School. Security camera footage shows that multiple individuals arrived in a single vehicle and spread out to break into many parked cars in a short period of time. The suspects were able to drive off, and it is believed the same group is responsible for similar activity near the schools in Grandview Heights.
The high school has notified the owners of the impacted vehicles, and the Upper Arlington Police Division is continuing to investigate.
Unfortunately, crimes like these are occurring more and more frequently. While many of the vehicles targeted at the high school today were locked, we offer the following reminders to help prevent future incidents:
- Lock your vehicles at all times, even if you are stepping away briefly.
- Remove or conceal valuables from plain sight. Items like wallets, purses, backpacks, electronics and keys should never be left in vehicles.
- Avoid leaving spare keys or key fobs inside your vehicle, as this makes it an easy target for theft.
- Park in well-let, visible areas whenever possible, especially during evening or early morning hours.
- Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately to the Upper Arlington Police Division by calling the non-emergency number: 614-459-2800.
For parents, please remind your students of these safety tips if they drive to school or park near campus.
Together, we are committed to addressing this issue and ensuring the safety of students and staff remains a top priority. Updates on the investigation will be shared as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if anyone has information related to this morning’s incident, we encourage you to contact the Upper Arlington Police Division at 614-459-2800.
- Safety