A motor vehicle theft was reported to the Riley County Police Department at approximately 1:09 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18 in the 1500 block of Leavenworth Street, according to an RCPD news release.
A 22-year-old female reported her silver Toyota Prius was taken overnight. Ashley Tokoi, RCPD public information officer, released key identifiers for the Prius.
“[The Prius] has a large dent on the passenger side door, rendering it inoperable,” Tokoi said. “That information has not been released in the report yet.”
Block resident Nick Webster, graduate student in drama therapy, said he was surprised the theft occurred on his block.
“It is a nice neighborhood, certainly gets loud, but we’ve been here for about two-and-a-half years,” Webster said. “[We] haven’t really had any problems, so it is a bit surprising to hear about it in the neighborhood. Things always change when school’s in session, there is just more stuff to deal with and listen to outside.”
Webster said Manhattan is still navigable without a vehicle.
“We only bought a used car recently,” Webster said. “We lived a year and a half [in Manhattan] with no car at all. It sucks that they lost their Prius, but I’ve been surprised how much you can get around with scooters, bicycles and walking in this town.”
Joshua Garcia, masters student in computer science, said he thinks students should take proper precautions for their personal property.
“I think it really sucks for her, and I hope she has insurance,” Garcia said. “It’s one of those things, you know. You got to make sure that you lock your car, and take care of your own, and if it does happen to you, make sure you report it.”
Tokoi said motor vehicle thefts in Riley County have increased recently.
“We are seeing a huge uptick in motor vehicle thefts,” Tokoi said. “We’ve filed 38 reports, with one being rescinded. It would be 40 if you counted the two during the weekend.”
Since 2019, yearly motor vehicle thefts in Riley County have decreased by 38.4%. However, RCPD projected a 15.6% increase year over year in 2024, according to its most recent crime statistics report.
Forty-nine thefts occurred by this time last year in Manhattan.
The suspect has not been identified. RCPD urges anyone with information on the crime to contact Crime Stoppers.