COLUMBUS, Ohio — Car thefts are increasing on the campus of the Ohio State University, a recent crime report shows.
The report for 2023 was just released Tuesday. It shows that 114 motor vehicles were stolen on campus in 2023, compared to 26 thefts in 2022.
However, a reason for the increase in reported thefts is that federal and state agencies expanded to include electric scooters and electric bikes in the definition of "motor vehicle."
Of the 114 incidents, 68 involved electric scooters and electric bikes. The other 46 thefts involved cars.
Ohio State spokesperson Dan Hedman said the university expects the motor vehicle theft stats will continue to increase as the university builds new facilities off campus.
Liann Trahey, a senior at Ohio State, had her car stolen in September 2023. It happened off campus at her home near North 4th and 14th Avenue.
Trahey said she went out to leave for work one morning, and her car was not there. All she saw was broken glass where her car was parked the night before.
Trahey said she contacted Ohio State police, and they were able to track down her car.
It was totaled.
“My car is completely totaled. So, like, it seemed as though it was either a joy ride or they weren't really liking my car,” said Trahey. “Other than when I called the police and they're like, 'Oh, yeah, the Kia boys are very popular around this area.' I'm like, 'Ok, that's like, fine, I guess. But, also it's not because I feel not safe,'” she added.
You can read the full crime report here.
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