Thefts Increase During End of Semester
Students should pay extra attention to personal belongings during finals, UAPD officials said.
“There is somewhat of an increase in theft during these last few weeks,” UAPD Lt. Gary Crain said.
Most of the reports UAPD officers are receiving are thefts of laptops, iPads and iPhones, Crain said. This is especially prevalent in libraries, computer labs and other popular public spaces, he said.
“Students are studying more and not sleeping as much, so they may not be paying as much attention as they should,” he said.
Last semester there were only three thefts reported, UAPD Lt. Matt Mills said.
“We have been, for the last several years, at the library’s request, working overnight security when the library’s open 24 hours,” he said.
This UAPD presence explains why, in recent years, there have been fewer thefts than in years before, Mills said.
“I’ve never had anything stolen but it’s nice to know that we will have more security during finals week,” Grant Roe, UA senior economics major, said.
These types of crimes occur when someone walks away or turns their back on their belongings. Someone can just come along and pick it up, Mills said.
“This type of theft is a crime of opportunity,” he said.
These crimes are really very easy to prevent, Crain said.
“Don’t be a victim. Pay attention to your stuff,” he said.
