After receiving five reports of unattended property theft Wednesday, University Police sent an email reminding students to protect their belongings while preparing for finals.
The thefts occurred in McKeldin Library, Stamp Student Union and Hornbake Library. In all five cases, students left their laptops unattended, according to the university alert.
“When you’re out and about, take your stuff with you,” University Police spokeswoman Sgt. Rosanne Hoaas said. “It’s one thing if you’re studying in the privacy of your home … but if you’re in a public space, you don’t have that same kind of security.”
Hoaas said police usually consult security cameras outside and inside the buildings as part of an investigation of stolen property.
She said students should note the serial number of their laptops or other electronics so police can enter the number into a database and flag it as stolen.
Students should avoid leaving their electronics unattended to save their spot in a crowded place, Hoass said.
“It might seem like you don’t want to give up the space, but truthfully, you can find another study table, you can find somewhere else,” she said.
