Dorm thefts sign of early-semester difficulties

After several larcenies were reported during the first weeks of the semester, Tufts police are increasing their visibility on campus and have mounted an awareness campaign.

Students and staff reported 11 cases of laptop theft by Oct. 1. According to Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) Captain Mark Keith, in most cases the computers were taken from unlocked dorm rooms. "There haven't been any forced entries," he said.

Officers have been instructed to be more visible in dormitories during evening hours to deter opportunity thefts.

Generally the trend of larcenies tapers off as the year progresses, according to Keith. "I think people aren't used to living in a dorm setting," Keith said. "They tend to leave themselves vulnerable -- they're used to living at home, leaving their doors unlocked and property lying around."

During the first week of September, three thefts were reported in South Hall, more than in any other dorm. One student reported waking up to find an unknown male in the room. The man was described as African American, six feet tall and aged in his late teens to early twenties.

Later that month, students awoke in Bush Hall when a white male entered their unlocked room and said, "Sorry, looking for Sam," and left. The next day, a wallet was reported stolen from the same floor.

Police have not named suspects for any of the crimes. "Without a lot of suspect information, it's difficult," Keith said. "That's why we encourage people to give us a call anytime they notice anything suspicious or out of the ordinary."

TUPD has made efforts to increase awareness about theft. At a recent event, officers engraved the laptops and other belongings of over 25 students. The department has also posted flyers encouraging students to lock their doors, not leave property unattended in common areas, and report suspicious activity.

Stephanie Vallejo, a freshman living in South Hall, said the outreach measures have made a difference.

"Recently people have been really cautious about leaving their doors unlocked," she said. "People usually make sure to remind each other now."

One resident on Vallejo's hall uses the whiteboard on her door to remind her roommate to lock the door. "She actually leaves the reminder on the whiteboard before she leaves if she notices that her roommate forgot to lock it," Vallejo explained.