The University School of Music provides little security for student-owned instruments stored in the building before 10 p.m., according to students and graduate teaching fellows in the school.
In light of Wednesday’s burglary, in which thieves stole more than $25,000 in music equipment on three separate trips, students like Derek Newell, owner of a $20,000 cello that was taken out of his locker, say something more needs to be done.
SOM Graduate Teaching Fellow Nick Toben, who chased down a burglary suspect despite the suspect’s threat to stab him with a “dirty needle,” said he is asking the University to add security.
Currently, the school provides students with lockers on the second floor of the music building. The lockers are not in a separate room, but more or less out in the open. While the area has high traffic early in the day, in the evening, Newell said, he is sometimes the only person in the dimly lit locker area.
“There are no locks on the doors except for what we supply ourselves,” Newell said.
Assistant to the Dean at the SOM Janet Stewart said students getting their instruments stolen “has always been a problem.” She said over the years the school has installed cameras above exits and stairways, brought in two student Community Service officers after 10 p.m. and encouraged students, faulty and GTFs to lock up their things, know the serial numbers on instruments and carry insurance.
However, budgetary and space constraints prevent the school from being able to do much more about the problem, Stewart said.
Most students use simple master locks that can be cut with bolt cutters, which is what Thursday’s burglars did to steal Newell’s cello, Newell said.
“My heart dropped when I opened my locker to find my cello gone and a pair of bolt cutters in its place,” he said.
Even if you have a better lock, as Newell now does, all a thief has to do is pop the screws out of the locker hinges, he said.
“With close proximity to 18th (Avenue), transients have ample access to the building and can get in and out extremely fast. It takes less than a minute to climb the stairs, clip a lock, and exit the building with a valuable piece of equipment,” Newell wrote in an e-mail to the Emerald. “These instruments cost thousands of dollars and the school should be helping to keep our possessions secure and our minds at ease.”
Music school GTF Cody Forcier said after students continued to receive little help from the SOM, he went to the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation to “get advice and discuss the burglary and (Toben’s) heroic efforts.” One of the union’s suggestions was to write a formal letter to the dean.
Forcier, Toben, two other music school GTFs and the victims of last week’s burglary have signed and sent a letter that suggests security improvements. Those suggestions include: video surveillance in areas with lockers, large permanent signs warning of the cameras, having a security presence in the building after the building is closed at 5 p.m. and
including plans for a room with a security keypad that houses secured lockers in the new SOM building plans. The letter also suggests more Eugene Police Department presence in the neighborhood surrounding the music school and parking lot at all hours, increased University Department of Public Safety presence in the parking lots at all hours and having officers walk through the school during and after business hours. They also requested the registration of student instruments, including insurance policy numbers and estimated value.
“Once, a locker was broken into that was directly above a locker that had been broken into the week before,” Forcier said.
Toben said since he came to the SOM two years ago there have been about five break-ins resulting in 15 stolen instruments.
DPS is scheduled to meet with the SOM administration this week to discuss possible solutions. DPS Interim Director Tom Hicks said having officers patrol the SOM in the morning and afternoon is a problem because “the bulk of our day is spent responding from call to call.” He also said that at any given time there are only two or three officers on duty, sometimes fewer.
“I would encourage students to be careful about the property they store there,” Hicks said. “They’re not real durable lockers.”
Hicks also suggests students do not leave their property unattended and report to DPS when they see something suspicious.
Hicks said if DPS and SOM officials decide to change building hours, the change will be implemented quickly. If they decide to use security cameras or fund more Community Service Officers to patrol the building, it could take until July.
Music school security criticized
Daily Emerald
April 4, 2005
A $20,000 cello and a $5,500 horn were stolen out of student lockers in the School of Music on Wednesday.
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