Crimes in UA parking garages increased in January and February, UA Police Department records show.

Fifteen crimes have been committed this month, one short of September's record for the academic year. December and November had the lowest number of crimes with six and seven. There have been no reports of stolen cars this month.

UAPD Cmdr. Brian Seastone said one reason for this could be because in November and December there were fewer cars on campus.

"My gut feeling is that in March (the number) will go down because people will be gone for a week," Seastone said.

According to the UAPD statistics, Tyndall Avenue Garage, 880 E. Tyndall Ave., had the most crimes committed this academic year with 25 instances, followed by the Cherry Avenue Garage, 1641 E. Enke St., which was second with 21. The safest was the Second Street Garage, 1340 E. Second St., with 12.

"It is scary that someone can break into your car while you are in class," said Raenuka Bhadriraju, an engineering freshman who parks in the Tyndall Avenue Garage.

Parking and Transportation Services recommended using common sense when parking in garages.

"Don't leave valuables in your car like radios, CDs or purses," said Patrick Kass, director of PTS.

All types of cars are attractive to thieves, Seastone said.

"I'm not really concerned," said Jenny Taylor, an undeclared freshman. "Maybe they should have more people driving around in those golf carts checking."

The Security Unit of UAPD patrols the garages randomly, said Seastone.

To help make "problem areas" safer, UAPD publishes statistics for the officers in those areas, he added.

PTS has also recently increased the lighting levels by installing brighter lights.

"There is more traffic in the lower floors, so if you are leaving your car in a well-lit area it increases safety," Kass said.