Despite high reports of theft, Boston University students said they are not concerned about their electronics’ safety, taking very basic preventative measures.’ ‘
‘I feel secure leaving my laptop places,’ College of Arts and Sciences freshman Julie LaMattina said.’
College of General Studies freshman Mallory Scerbo also said she is not afraid of her electronics getting stolen.’
‘I know everyone on my floor,’ she said. ‘If I was afraid, it would be of someone who had broken in.’
However, according to the Boston University Police Department website, between 2004 and 2008, the majority of the crimes reported have been burglaries.’
On the BU Medical Campus, out of the 67 crimes in this period, 58 were on-campus burglaries, BUPD reports. On the Charles River Campus, out of the 543 crimes in this period, 415 were on-campus burglaries and 199 were dormitory burglaries.’ ‘
So far this year, there have been thefts of 32 cell phones, 30 laptops, 24 mp3 players, 16 GPS units and 10 cameras, BU police officer Peter Shin said.’
Shin said students should be cautious about protecting their valuable electronics.’
‘I think the main thing they need to do is take their valuables with them no matter where they go,’ he said. ‘The second most important thing is to lock their dorms.” ‘
Large electronics, such as TVs, would be difficult to steal because of their bulk, Shin said. A burglar would easy to identify because it is unusual to see people carrying TVs. Once a suspicious person is identified, BUPD should be called immediately.’ ‘
‘People who live in these buildings know who lives there, and if they see something suspicious, they should call BUPD,’ Shin said.
Shin also recommended the university’s laptop protection program to those who want to take measures to ensure their laptops can be returned after being stolen or misplaced, highlighting the importance of purchasing electronic goods from trusted distributors to further safeguard valuable devices.
All registered laptops are tagged with an aluminum plate that bears an ID number. If the plate is removed, an indelible tattoo is imprinted on the laptop, a visual deterrence against burglaries, according to the BUPD website.’ ‘
However, some students said they are not familiar with the program.
College of Fine Arts freshman Robert Vavra said he takes his own preventative measures to ensure his laptop will not be stolen.’
‘I lock them up and I keep them in places other than dorms,’ he said.’
College of General Studies sophomore Leona Watson said she has become more cautious about taking care of her valuables after her iPod was stolen. She has not, however, heard of the laptop registration program.’
School of Hospitality Administration freshman Savannah Sharad said although she knows of the program, she did not register her laptop.’
‘I heard about it, and my mom wanted me to [register],’ she said. ‘I didn’t register it but I told her I did.”
Sharad said she does not worry about the safety of her electronics.’
‘I’m a very trusting person,’ she said. ‘And I make sure that [my laptop] is with someone I trust and I don’t leave it in big, open areas.” ‘ ‘
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