Computer thefts mar Summer break

A total of eight computers are still missing from both the Wathena Temple building and the Journalism building. The electronics were stolen in three separate incidents, all occurring over the summer when most students were on break.

The thefts span from late May to the most recent June 30th, but they appear to be related based on what was taken from the buildings. In every case, Apple Mac computers were the target.

"It's someone who knew what we had on the computers, the kind of design software, someone who knows Macs," Julie Phillips, art/journalism secretary said.

Phillips alerted University Police when she noticed the computers missing in May and June.

In the first series of thefts, three Apple Power Mac G5 computers were reported missing from the Mac Lab in the Temple building. Additionally, the keyboards, towers, monitors, and mouse for each were taken. The room had been found unlocked by a custodial worker, even though access to the lab is limited to a select list of people.

"My recommendation would be to have swipe only access to doors; the only way you could get in would be to swipe your ID card," Jason Bone, crime information for university police said.

The Journalism building, where three Apple 24-inch iMac computers were removed in June, also has limited access with key entry on the doors. With no obvious signs that the doors were forced open, it appears that the thief had knowledge of how to get past the security measures. Although some have suggested cameras be put in buildings with computer equipment, Bone said cameras by themselves are not going to solve the issue.

"It's going to have to be a combination of things, a system of devices, effective locks, cameras, and really the number one thing is everyone take a responsibility for security," Bone said. "If you see that door unlocked, lock it or call someone to come get it locked."

Just eight days after the computer thefts in the Journalism building were reported, the Temple building's Mac Lab was hit again. An Apple Mac Pro and an Apple iMac were stolen sometime over the weekend between Friday and Tuesday when the thefts were discovered.

One difference between the first two incidents and the third is the robber left the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cords behind in the lab on the third theft and only the Apple Power Mac G5's central processing unit (CPU) was missing. It is difficult to tell if all the computer thefts are related with no current suspects or witnesses to the crimes.

"It's really unnerving to lose all these computers within a month and a half time," Chad Smith, assistant professor of photography said. "It's really disheartening. We're trying to be as secure as we can."

The estimated total loss value of all eight computers is over $20,000. These thefts do appear to be calculated, because Apple has a limited target audience.

"Only certain groups like Apples, people that do a lot of graphic arts," Bone said. "You just don't see a lot of these in pawn shops; they have almost zero street value. There is a target group, and someone is familiar with it."

In the most recent report from financial services, over $43,000 worth of inventory has been reported missing across campus since last September.

"That means that we have a security problem on this campus that we need to get a handle on," Smith said. "I'm happy with what UPD has done to help us, and they were quick to respond."

To report suspicious activity around campus, call UPD at 903-886-5868.