Everyone hears about incidents of laptop theft on campus; several computers go missing every year, mostly due to lax security. But save for a few high-profile cases such as the LCD monitor thief whose degree was revoked, equipment theft in RPI classrooms and labs is not widely discussed. But as was seen two weeks ago, even equipment in the most visible areas is not safe from thieves.
Police records report that juniors Burak Erem and Craig Turansky allegedly stole $4,300 worth of electronics from DCC lecture halls 308, 318, and 324 on the morning of October 17. The stolen equipment included computers, VCRs, and the touch screens that control the overhead projectors. The time of the incident was originally estimated to be between 10:30 pm on Thursday and 7 am Friday based on witness accounts, but the investigation narrowed it down to 4:30 am.
According to Dean of Students Mark Smith, the lack of adequate security on the equipment was a major cause of the incident. Measures were in place that would have deterred the casual crook, but were not sufficient for a determined thief.
“It was definitely not a just-go-in-and-walk-out kind of thing. They actually had to work at it,” said Smith.
In addition, the doors to the DCC, which are normally locked, were not secured that night.
The two students were arrested by Troy Police and will face criminal charges in addition to the campus judicial system’s actions. According to Smith, the penalty for theft of this caliber is usually expulsion.
According to Lieutenant Anthony Strollo, who led the investigation, Troy police evidence technicians dusted the lecture hall podiums for fingerprints, which disrupted the already annoyed faculty trying to teach in the now insufficiently-equipped rooms. He declined to comment on the rest of the investigation, but said that the two were very cooperative when public safety first spoke to them.
“They thought it was a prank,” said Strollo. “Unfortunately, it’s a felony in New York state. If you get caught, you’re going to have to pay the price.”
Strollo said that he was uncertain whether or not the alleged thieves were under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Both Smith and Strollo expressed their continuing disbelief that students would steal from RPI classrooms.
“It’s a big circle. When equipment is taken, everyone gets hurt,” said Strollo.
The equipment was recovered soon after the incident, but evidence laws stipulate that it must be held by the Troy police department for at least 30 days.
