By Nancy Gutierrez
A string of car thefts has plagued Exeter Union High School in the past three weeks, all of the victims have been high school students.
Three vehicles have been stolen from around the school property while students sit unknowingly in class. According to the Exeter Police Department, the first theft took place March 15.
The next was three days later on the 18 and the latest was last Wednesday, March 31. Police Sgt Kevin Wright said two of the vehicles have been recovered.
"There is one outstanding [vehicle]," Wright said. "Both cars were found partially stripped."
The vehicles were missing tires, wheels and stereos. Sonny Lowry, who's son's car was the first to be stolen, said the vehicle was taken after lunch. Wright said the exact time of the thefts had not been determined.
The first theft took place on the 100 block of Portola Avenue. The theft on the 18th occurred near the corner of Rocky Hill and Portola. The latest happened on Crespi Avenue and Rocky Hill Dive. Wright said pick-ups or utility vehicles have been targeted so far.
The first vehicle was a Dodge Ram pick-up. The next vehicle taken was a GMC SUV and the last was a GMC 4X4 truck.
"This is the first time there's been a string of thefts at the high school since I've been here," Wright said.
Principal Don Brinkman said there is a campus supervisor who patrols in and around the school but does not leave campus.
"We will patrol down the streets, usually checking for any of our students who are off campus," he said.
Police officers also patrol around campus usually at lunch time and before school. Wright said the day-shift patrol cars will do heavy patrol checks around the area. Anyone with information about the thefts can contact the Exeter Police Department at 592-3103.
