BUPD Reports Spike in Larcenies
Thieves snatching up electronics at GSU, Mugar, FitRec
With a jump in thefts on campus this month, Boston University Police are urging students, as well as faculty and staff, to be extra-vigilant and not leave valuables unattended even for a minute. Police say thieves are targeting laptops, iPhones, and other electronics, mostly at Mugar Memorial Library, the George Sherman Union, and FitRec, but also at office buildings and dormitories.
“Bring valuables with you even if you leave the area for one or two minutes,” says Scott Pare, deputy director of public safety and BU Police Department deputy chief. “Or keep them locked up and out of sight. Always lock your doors, whether it’s your office or dorm room.”
In the first three weeks of February, the number of thefts on campus was one shy of the number for the entire month of January, according to the BUPD. January saw 17 larceny reports, 6 involving laptop computers. In the first three weeks of February, 16 reports were filed, 5 involving missing laptops. Last Thursday, a staff member at 985 Commonwealth Avenue reported a $1,200 laptop stolen after leaving his office with the door open.
“What we’ve seen in the past is that it’s one or two individuals on a crime spree,” Pare says. “They find that things being left unattended are easy to take, and one or two individuals can cause a huge spike. It could be outsiders, but we’re not naïve enough to think that it couldn’t be individuals affiliated with BU.”
Pare also reminds the community that the approach of warm weather often brings an increase in bike thefts, as more cyclists take to the streets. Last September, more than 45 bikes were stolen, he says; he advises students to steer clear of cable locks and go with a high-quality U-lock. Police encourage riders to use the designated bike racks and storage areas located throughout campus. Register bikes and computers with BU Police here.
BUPD urges students, faculty, and staff to report suspicious people and activity on or near campus by calling 617-353-2121 or text messaging tip411 (847411), keyword: BU. The BUPD phone number is on the back of every Terrier ID Card.
Caleb Daniloff can be reached at cdanilof@bu.edu.
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