A rash of car vandalism has hit UCSD parking lots in recent weeks, according to UCSD Police Department data.

In 2000, 52 cars were reported stolen from campus. Though 2001 data indicates a dramatic decrease so far — 24 cars were reported stolen as of the first week in November — a dramatic spike in car vandalism has campus police increasing patrols of lots.

This year, 85 vehicles have been vandalized at UCSD, as compared to 56 for all of 2000. Over 10 percent of the car vandalisms occurred last week.

UCSD police officer Alan Jenkins said the criminal activity seems to focus on the School of Medicine — lots P601, P604 and P608 — though other patterns are difficult to find.

Jenkins said no particular vehicles have been targeted and nothing out of the ordinary has been taken.

“”Usually a window is smashed or a door punched to gain entry,”” Jenkins said. “”It’s usually stereo equipment that’s taken.””

In response to the crimes, extra patrols by officers and Transportation and Parking Services employees have been added.

It is estimated that 31,000 cars pass through UCSD’s parking lots on a daily basis. Despite measures taken by the police and TPS to discourage burglars from breaking into cars at UCSD, Jenkins said that those who park their cars at UCSD can take measures of their own to prevent their cars from being burglarized.

Jenkins suggested that people use security devices in their cars and that they report any suspicious activity in campus parking lots.

“”The best way is to use the call boxes placed in the parking lots or call 534-HELP,”” Jenkins said.