The Department of Public Safety is currently investigating an occurrence of vandalism that left the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house with seven smashed windows on its ground floor.

On Dec. 24 at around 3 a.m., two unidentified persons approached Phi Gamma Delta, known as FIJI, which is located at 727 Comstock Ave. The pair used hammers to shatter the seven windows, according to surveillance footage. Both DPS and the Syracuse Police Department responded to the scene, said Derek McClenaghan, FIJI’s house manager.

Only one brother was staying at the house during winter break, McClenaghan said. The brother returned from work to find police boarding up several windows, he said. McClenaghan added that nothing was reported stolen from the property.

Both the Office of Student of Affairs and the head of Greek life were notified of the situation, said McClenaghan.

Zeta Psi, the fraternity that owns the property, may offer a reward for whoever comes forward with information, said Ira Berkowitz, an adviser for Zeta Psi. Last March, FIJI signed a three-year lease agreement to live in the house. Previously, Zeta Psi had rented the house to Sigma Alpha Mu starting in 2007. FIJI moved into the house in August.

Since FIJI moved in, Berkowitz said the house has had ongoing issues with vandalism. Based on the time the incidents occurred, Berkowitz said Zeta Psi believes the vandalism was committed by students.

Though Zeta Psi is coordinating most of the repairs, Berkowitz said the fraternity is leaving the investigation up to DPS and SPD in the hopes that they will be able to “shed some light” on the incidents.

“We want people to be aware of this,” Berkowitz said. “We need to let those who did this know that ‘Listen, you’re getting written up for this.’ We need to get the word out that we’re aware of it and that we’re not going to stand idly.”

Published on January 15, 2014 at 3:16 am

Contact Annie: apalme05@syr.edu