In response to several University computer and overhead projector thefts, some departments are tightening security measures by implementing tracking devices on campus property and installing surveillance cameras in computer labs.
Two weeks ago, someone took a computer central processing unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse, worth about $300, from the Student Advising Room on the third floor of Oregon Hall. A Dell computer was also stolen out of the computer lab in the basement of McKenzie Hall three weeks ago, according to the Department of Public Safety.
But the two thefts are not uncommon crimes on campus. DPS receives reports of stolen computers, laptops and digital projectors almost every year, DPS associate director Tom Hicks said. During last year alone, he said, 10 computers and 11 digital projectors belonging to the University turned up missing.
“There has certainly always been a problem with computers and laptops,” he said. “Projector thefts have definitely been a more recent problem. The numbers, nationally, have been higher.”
Hicks said this increase could be because more projectors were put into place in 2001, or they could have just become a popular item. He added that the department has received queries from colleges across the United States looking for ways to reduce the number of high-risk property thefts.
Many departments have started using the commercial program Security Tracking of Office Property Theft — STOP Theft. STOP Theft plates are attached to property units such as computers and projectors, and identify the equipment through a national serial number. If a plate is removed, a tattoo-like mark remains on the property to identify it as stolen, Hicks said.
The department may eventually install the system into all high-risk campus property like computers, Hicks said. He added that DPS is also exploring other security options such as ensuring that all classrooms and labs are locked at night and installing alarms on some property items.
So far, 21 items have been stolen from McKenzie, Columbia and Cascade Halls, Knight Library, the EMU, Millrace and a few faculty offices, valued at roughly $61,000. This excludes the value of stolen personal computers belonging to students.
The increase in stolen digital projectors, which range in value from $3,500 to $5,000 each, has been one of the greatest concerns this year, Hicks said. The number of projector thefts jumped from two in 1999 to 11 this past year.
“One of the things we’ve been discussing is implementing some kind of programs that keep better track and inventory of especially computer equipment, which seems to be more vulnerable to thefts,” he said. “We also want to provide some kind of deterrence.”
Cleven Mmari, coordinator of microcomputer support systems services, oversees several offices in Oregon Hall, the University Counseling Center and the Career Center. He said after the computer theft in Oregon Hall, he also plans to install STOP Theft and security locks on several of the public computers. Keeping better track of who comes and goes into the buildings after hours is another goal, he said.
Computer Lab Coordinator Mary Bradley said she also plans to install one surveillance camera in each of the Millrace, Klamath, EMU and McKenzie labs by spring term. The increase in projector thefts has been the main push to do so, she said. She added that in general, it’s difficult to steal property out of the labs. All computer labs have a motion detector, door alarm, locks and staff monitors.
Meagan Show, a freshman computer lab assistant in McKenzie Hall, said it’s hard to imagine how someone could take the large digital projectors out of labs and classrooms unnoticed. But the new Dell computers put in the lab this term are about 1 foot by 3 inches — smaller than the average size, she said.
“When we first got new computers put in, it was pretty easy to steal one,” she said. “The computer part is so small it could easily fit into a backpack. But now that everything is locked down, nothing could be taken that easily.”
She added that it’s hard to believe a student would steal such valuable property at all, but that tightening security measures would probably deter them.
“I was really surprised,” she said. “Everyone who comes in here looks pretty decent, and I wouldn’t expect them to steal anything. I think surveillance cameras would especially stop a lot of people from trying to get away with it.”
Beata Mostafavi is a freelance reporter
for the Emerald.