Last Tuesday, in a suspected "joyriding" case, a golf cart disappeared from the front of Scates Hall only to be found later at Spottswood Avenue and Echles Street. It was returned to the Arts and Science Department. There are no suspects at this time.
Bruce Harber, director of police services, said although the perpetrator probably did not intend to actually steal the cart, it is statistically recognized as theft.
"Depending on the time of day, you see people riding on carts on campus, and you really don't know who they belong to or who's riding them," Harber said. "It could have been juveniles cutting through campus, but you just don't know."
Joyriding, a class A misdemeanor, is defined as a person taking something without consent of the owner and who does not intend to deprive the owner. This can be any mode of transportation, including bicycle, boat, airplane, automobile or motorcycle.
"This happens occasionally," Harbor, said, "It looks like we've had a car stolen when in fact someone used this thing for quick transportation. It will probably be similar to joyriding, which is still auto theft, but they don't have any intent and is strictly used for transportation. Unfortunately, the crime numbers don't break it down."
