Unattended Laptops Stolen,
Students Take Extra Precautions

By Shannon Tharp
CyberNews Staff Reporter

February 27, 2002

Many students at Drake University protect their laptop computers by locking their dorm rooms before they leave, or by keeping an eye on their laptops while studying at the library. Those who don't protect their laptops learn the hard way––by having them stolen.

Last week, three laptop computers were stolen from three different buildings at Drake. Hans Hanson, chief of Campus Security, said the laptops disappeared from Cartwright Hall, Cowles Library and Opperman Library on the afternoon of Feb. 21.

"All the laptops belonged to students," Hanson said. "No one saw anything suspicious at or around the time of the thefts."

In a campus-wide e-mail sent out the day after the thefts, Hanson advised students to take extra precautions in securing their electronic equipment, especially equipment that is easily removed.

Rachel Mejia (AS1) leaves her laptop in her locked dorm room and rarely takes it to the library because of the risk that it could be taken.

"I don't leave my laptop alone unless someone is with me and can watch it if I leave for a few minutes," Mejia said. "Whenever I go to Cowles [Library] I make sure it's absolutely necessary for me to take my laptop with me, because they've had laptops stolen there before. I always lock my room. Things get stolen and I don't want to have to go through that hassle."

Alia Johnson (PH1) has gone through that hassle. Her laptop was stolen when she left her dorm room unlocked on the second floor of Goodwin-Kirk residence hall.

"It's partially my fault for leaving my room unlocked," Johnson said. "I've learned my lesson."

Johnson now has a new laptop after receiving notification that the theft would be covered by homeowner's insurance since her previous laptop was worth over $1500. She's decided to make good use of her room key as well.

"I definitely lock my room when I leave now," Johnson said. "I have a lock for my laptop, too. I go so far as to hide it when I leave my room. It doesn't take long before something's gone."

Last week's thefts took place within a span of approximately four hours.

"In each case, the laptop was left unattended by its owner for a short period of time and that's when the thefts occurred," Hanson said.

Drake Campus Security has turned the cases over to the Des Moines Police Department. Hanson said that anyone who has information regarding the thefts is urged to call the Des Moines Police Department at (515) 283-4811.