Thefts of laptops and equipment from labs across campus have both the Dot-CIO and Department of Public Safety concerned.
Over the December break, at least two desktops and five LCD screens were stolen from computer labs, and a total of 22 laptops were stolen during the past year.
Although security at many of the labs is in the process of being enhanced, a short-term solution has been put in place to limit lab hours.
“We have worked very hard to secure the labs and it is very discouraging to see this happen,” said Sharon Roy, director of academic research and computing. Many of the computer labs have cameras but additional ones are being placed. “Some are obvious and some are not,” said Roy.
Other security measures, such as special fastening bolts, more Public Safety surveillance, and other undisclosed security devices were installed in many of the labs.
Solutions for this problem, such as having card access to the labs, were deemed too expensive by the Dot-CIO, and a balance between the expected loss and the cost had to be considered. “Our goal is to make it as hard and unpleasant as we could for those [who] would attempt burglary,” said Jim Evans, director of IT operations.
A large amount of the costs incurred from these thefts is not covered by insurance. The expenses of replacement and security “had to be squeezed out of the budget,” said Evans.
While the decision was made to cut lab hours without student input, Roy said that she welcomes any input from students and will look closely at leaving computing labs that have a high-frequency usage by students open for longer hours.
Many of the thefts left questions in the minds of the people who secured them. The computer screens that were stolen were not unsecured—unless the power cord was cut or the stand was unfastened.
“I really don’t understand how these LCDs will be used without power supplies,” said Evans. In other instances, holes were made and large chunks of walls were taken out so that speakers could be stolen.
Another item that is frequently stolen is paper. “Usually people would not think of it as stealing,” said Evans. However, $100,000 goes to paper and cartridges every year.
Lt. Joe Audino of the Department of Public Safety said that there are seasons when thefts are highest, mostly before and during breaks and holidays. Specifically during those times, “we will work on both higher security and better apprehension,” said Audino.
However, at this time none of the investigations into the thefts have produced any suspects or concluded in apprehension. Suspects in these cases will be charged with grand larceny in addition to vandalism according to Audino.
There were no indications of whether the thefts were carried out by students or outsiders.
“We want our students to be vigilant, but avoid confrontation,” said Audino. He also advises students to call whenever they see suspicious activities. “It does not hurt to call us even if comes out to be a false alarm,” said Audino.
