The Rice Thresher

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February 17, 2006 > News > Theft of computers, wallets rise campus-wide

Theft of computers, wallets rise campus-wide

By Risa Gordon | Thresher Editorial Staff

Forty non-bicycle thefts have been reported to the Rice University Police Department since Jan. 1.

The majority of the stolen items have been wallets, purses and laptop computers. Last year, seven non-bicycle thefts were reported between Jan. 1 and Feb. 13.

In January of this year, 23 thefts of items other than bicycles were reported, and 17 such thefts were reported Feb. 1-13.

Rice Police Lieutenant Phil Hassell said the increase in thefts is the first of the academic year.

Hassell said he has seen three main types of theft: entering unlocked offices and stealing wallets and purses, taking backpacks or other items that are left unattended and stealing belongings from unlocked dorm rooms.

Hassell said RUPD officers are aware of the problem, but that it is impossible to prevent all thefts from offices and dorm rooms because there are too many to patrol. Students should contact RUPD if they see someone suspicious, Hassell said.

“What needs to be done [to stop thefts] needs to be done by community members,” Hassell said.

Hassell said students, faculty and staff tend to be less concerned with safety precautions when they are on campus.

“A college is an easy target because we feel safe,” Hassell said. “Common sense and diligence would help.”

Two students’ laptops were stolen from their rooms at Lovett College Feb. 12 while they were sleeping. Hassell said those thefts were especially concerning because the upper floors of Lovett should be secure.

“Students need to lock their doors, even when they’re in there asleep,” Hassell said.

Hassell said some of the thieves are college-aged or in their 20s, allowing them to blend in with students and attract less suspicion.

Hassell also said faculty and staff members should ensure that their belongings are secured in their offices, and everyone should engrave expensive belongings with an identification number or name. Hassell said students can borrow engravers from their college police officers.

Rice Police Chief Bill Taylor sent an e-mail to all departments and students about the increased thefts Feb. 15.

Taylor said one suspect in the thefts at Lovett has an outstanding burglary arrest warrant.

“This underscores the need to remain alert to those in the environments around us — particularly in the colleges,” Taylor wrote in the campus-wide e-mail.

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