Break-in at Carver causes more than $25,000 in damage

A break-in at Carver over the weekend caused significant damage to a display case containing WWU Athletics trophies and memorabilia.

The only items taken were reportedly a watch and ring from the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships, which have a monetary value of approximately $400-$500 dollars.

Meanwhile, the burglary caused an estimated $25,000 in damage to the large glass panels surrounding the display case. The thick tempered glass panels were struck several times with a sharp object; they never shattered but were broken enough to be bent during the burglary.

Work was under way Monday to replace the panels, and WWU Athletics is reaching out to the NCAA to see if the stolen items can be replaced.

The burglary happened overnight between 7:30 p.m. Friday and 8:40 a.m. Saturday, said University Police Sgt. Ron Carpenter. Police are investigating leads, Carpenter said.

The exterior doors to Carver locked automatically at 8 p.m. on Friday. It’s important for students, faculty and staff to remain vigilant in university buildings, particularly in the evenings, and to call University Police at 360-650-3911 or via the LiveSafe App whenever there’s a safety concern.