Even when parked on campus student vehicles are still at risk for theft.

Within the last month there have been two reported car thefts from the Freret Street Garage.

On Feb. 23, Michael Schott, political science freshman, reported his 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe missing. Schott told police his car was parked on the ramp between the first and second levels of the garage.

The New Orleans Police Department recovered the vehicle Feb. 28 in the 400 block of Cortez Street with the engine and transmission completely removed. The thief used a screwdriver to pry open the locked doors.

Another student reported his vehicle stolen sometime between March 9 and March 10. NOPD have not recovered the vehicle, a black 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The owner told police the doors were locked and alarm activated.

Students can protect their vehicles by locking the doors, purchasing a car alarm and keeping valuable possessions out of visibility, according to an alert sent to student e-mail addresses.

University Police officials were unavailable for comment by press time Wednesday.

Steve Heath can be reached at [email protected].