Markers denote locations where U campus and surrounding area thefts have been reported.
By MARIA WINGERT/Murphy News Service
Eighteen thefts occurred on and around campus this past week between Thursday, Oct. 8, and Wednesday, Oct. 14, making it the most theft-heavy stretch of days on campus since the semester started.
While many of the thefts occurred due to unlocked dorm rooms, lockers or bikes, this week’s 18 incidents is a jump from the previous week’s six.
The thefts occurred in multiple locations across campus and the surrounding area, with two occurring at the Commons Hotel and three at Middlebrook Hall.
University of Minnesota Police Department Lt. David Wilske said campus regularly has peak times of theft, in addition to quieter times.
“There is usually an ebb and flow of theft,” Wilske said, adding “We don’t see a pattern (of crime), otherwise we would be throwing resources at it.”
Wilske noted that the campus police department sees a pattern like this every year, and warns students to keep an eye on personal belongings.
Locked and secured bicycles, UMPD says, are much more difficult to steal. MURPHY NEWS PHOTO BY MARIA WINGERT
“So at the beginning of the school year, we generally see a higher proportion of thefts because people are not used to the environment, and where they came from it was never a problem leaving their items unattended for short periods of time. They have to get into that habit of watching over their personal property a lot more,” Wilske said.
U freshman Noah Solfest says he notices the risk for students, but also that it can be avoided
“I feel pretty safe, (but) I do take proper precautions,”Solfest said.
The U police department encourages students to lock up their personal belongings or keep them with them when in public study areas or near campus. To report a theft, call the U police department at 612-624-COPS (2677).
Reporter Maria Wingert is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.