SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – A string of car break ins has many people across the state on edge, especially as many of the targets are college students.

Westfield State University (WSU) has been experiencing dozens of car break-ins and a handful of car thefts in the South Lot on campus.

Ally Russell who is a student at Westfield State told Western Mass News that she parks her car in that lot every day since she lives on campus, and that her car stays there almost every night.

She shared with us how she felt when she first heard about the crimes.

“It was a little nerve racking at first,” Russell told us.

But word around campus is, only certain brands of cars are being targeted, which has helped ease her nerves.

“I know some other people are hesitant about it but me personally I feel fine,” Russell added.

However, she still worries about her fellow classmates, as does the university.

Westfield State provided us with a statement that reads in part quote:

The statement goes on to say that several law enforcement agencies are investigating and working together to identify suspects.

Russell told Western Mass News why she feels this lot is the one being targeted.

“It’s the residents lot students park here and then during the day the commuter lot is full but at night its empty… And its further away from the school.”

The university says they are adding additional lighting to the South Lot and are now using new lighting systems on the patrol cars to make sure they are easily seen at night when the crimes are taking place.

If you see any suspicious individuals or vehicles in a campus parking lot, you’re asked to call Westfield State University Police at 413-572-5262 or contact the City of Westfield Emergency Services at 911.

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