When parking permits are stolen, who receives the heavier punishment: the victim, or the thief?

Investigator John Hamrick of the University Police said that if a permit is stolen, the only thing the campus can do is report the permit as lost or stolen and sell the student a new permit.

The price for a new pass becomes pro-rated by UTAPS as the semester progresses. Beginning Oct. 2, the price to replace a permit is $81.

“It was a very irritating experience, having my permit stolen and then replacing it,” said student James Garcia, a senior. “I was very irate.”

If the permit thief forces entry into the victim’s vehicle, a whole new cost may arise.

Two estimates on window repair were made at the Glass Doctor in Sacramento.

The price to repair a busted door window on a 2000 Honda Civic coupe is $135.04. The price on a 2000 Ford F150 extended cab is $143.05.

Both estimates are for in shop repair. A Glass Doctor employee said that the price is much higher for on-location repair.

The UTAPS Web site says that they does not replace lost or stolen permits.

If found using a stolen permit on campus, the fine is $108.

If a permit is stolen from a student on campus, the costs may be higher for the victim than for the thief.

Adding up the original cost of the permit, the cost of a replacement and the cost of window repair, a victim may pay up to $330.

The person who is caught with the stolen permit has to pay only the $108 fine.

On average, 42 parking permits are reported stolen each semester on the Sac State campus.

University police patrol the lots throughout the day, and UTAPS parking enforcement staff use a “hot list” to look for stolen permits in parked vehicles.

Hamrick also said that most stolen permits come from violators who are using the stolen permits for personal use, but occasionally they are from people who are selling them.

A University Police brochure suggests keeping windows rolled up, doors locked, possessions out of sight and parking in well-lit areas to keep vehicles safe.