UCSC investigates reports of privacy invasion and burglary within campus housing

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- UC Santa Cruz students are on high alert after disturbing reports of privacy violations and burglaries in campus dorms. The incidents, which have raised concerns about student safety, occurred between February and March and affected students living at Stevenson and John R. Lewis Colleges.

The incidents began when a victim reported seeing a cell phone being used to videotape or photograph them while they were in a communal shower. Students living in the affected dorms were shocked and concerned after learning about the violations.

“I shower there, that’s where I live. It’s very scary to hear something like that,” Kaitlyn Gregerson first year student said. “I’m friends with a lot of people on this floor, and just to see that, like, there’s somebody here peeping on people, it’s very worrying.”

The incidents, which include violations of privacy and burglaries, have prompted students to take extra safety precautions. Some have even stopped leaving their doors open, a practice that many once felt comfortable with.

“I like to leave my door open so my friends can come in, but now I’m not sure I feel very comfortable doing that anymore. That’s a little bit scary,” Gregerson said.

The violations are reportedly connected to earlier burglaries at John R. Lewis College, where students have had clothing, undergarments, and even cell phones stolen.

“I definitely think there should be more precautions to keep just anybody out of the buildings. There have been a lot of burglaries throughout the year,” Jordi Sanchez first year student said.

UC Santa Cruz police have issued a vague description of the suspect, believed to be an Asian or White male, of average height and thin build, wearing a black hoodie, gray pants, and white sneakers with a light blue Nike logo. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“I just think maybe try and figure out who it was, if they haven’t already," Gregerson said. "Get them out of my house, get them away from any students, and make sure it’s a safe environment for students to live in."

As the investigation continues, the university is reminding students to stay alert, respect personal privacy, and report any suspicious behavior to campus security. The campus police declined to provide a statement on camera when contacted.