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Hawaii Hall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
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The number of vehicular thefts has spiked on the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus recently, prompting an increase in security and warnings to the public.
Since Oct. 30, campus security officials have received reports of five thefts of vehicles, including four mopeds and a maintenance golf cart, said Sarah Rice, an official with the UH department of public safety.
The golf cart has been recovered, she said Thursday.
Honolulu police received two more reports of vehicular thefts for the same period in addition to the UH reports, said Rice, who serves as community programs manager.
"That’s a lot. It’s a huge number for such a short period," Rice said.
For the year as a whole, however, the 29 vehicular thefts reported so far fall short of 2013’s total of 49. The number of thefts was considerably higher last year than the 19 reported in 2012 and 16 in 2011, according to the UH annual Security & Fire Safety Report.
Rice said the university is increasing patrols and conducting a public awareness program.
She said at least a few of the mopeds recently stolen had not been chained to stationary objects in the parking area.
Fliers are being disseminated to moped owners, advising them of security methods such as chaining their vehicles. Rice said security officials are also asking for the public’s help in curbing the thefts. Calls may be made to 956-6911.