Seven laptop computers have been stolen from residence halls this summer, prompting Public Safety to discuss security with new students and present a proposal to the university that would make an anti-theft tracking system available for purchase at the campus bookstore.
Laptops have been taken from five rooms in Anderson, Centennial and Federal Hall since May, following a series of eight laptop thefts in the spring semester. All of these thefts occurred in the daytime in rooms that were unsecured, according to Lt. Will Spencer of Public Safety.
"When we say that a room is unsecured, it doesn't just mean that the door was unlocked, but that the computer also was not locked down," Spencer said.
In addition to investigating the thefts, Public Safety is addressing personal security through presentations and discussions with new students.
"We are telling new students to lock their doors," said Spencer, "and, even more importantly, to lock their laptops to their desks."
Spencer has presented a proposal that recommends using the Onboard Plus antitheft system, a program that connects individual laptops to a vast tracking network with practically undetectable Stealth Signal software and a "stop tag," a theft-deterring metal tracking plate that requires over 50 pounds of pressure to remove.
Several police departments around the world have used the program to recover stolen laptops.
Public Safety is currently working with the campus bookstore to make the product available next fall, at a price of about $100.
This recent series of thefts prompted Nicklaus Spruill, resident director of Anderson Hall, to distribute flyers emphasizing the importance of locking doors with deadbolts in Anderson and Centennial, where most of the thefts have occurred.
On these flyers Spruill offered his office number for anyone with information on the recent burglaries. He has not received any tips.
Public Safety often receives tips from students via phone, Spencer says, but so far none of the 15 laptops stolen this year have been recovered.
Students living on-campus this summer say they feel their property is secure as long as they lock their doors.
"I was scared when I lost my keys," said Melissa Ruckman, an intern staying in Anderson Hall.
Kavita Bahlla, a student attending the National Student Leadership Conference, agreed.
"If I leave my laptop in my room, I make sure my door is locked," she said, "It's pretty hard to break a deadbolt"
