Students: Amount of theft a 'crying shame'

Cornita McLeod, an Allied Barton guard who works at the front desk of Steinhardt Hall, watches not only the people who come into the building - but also the bags they leave behind.

She says bags are constantly left unattended for hours at a time, a behavior that makes her think "students could be more responsible for their personal belongings."

That behavior is also reflected in a recent crime trend on campus.

According to the Division of Public Safety, the Penn Patrol zone experienced a 155-percent increase in theft from buildings from January to March this year, compared to the same time period last year.

About 65 percent of these thefts were unattended or improperly secured.

This tremendous rise is in spite of the ongoing unattended theft-awareness campaign that DPS started the end of January.

Students, however, admit they often leave their belongings unattended.

"I know I do it all the time," said College junior Penina Braffman. "But I know that in the back of my mind it is my fault if something were to happen."

Rebecca Haendel, a senior in the College, said preventing theft is "a joint effort," but also wonders if the problem is as severe at other colleges.

Still, some students expressed disgust and shock about the amount of theft on campus.

"It's a crying shame that we don't live in a community where you can leave your stuff around," said Jack Cohen, a junior in Wharton. "But the root of the problem is not that . it's much more complex."

He added that economic disparity between Penn students and West Philadelphia residents might play a part and said Penn should help work to "eliminate those root causes."

Wharton and Engineering freshman Justin Charlap said about a month ago, his wallet fell out of his pocket when he was in a lounge in Kings Court English College House.

He returned to the lounge 10 minutes later to retrieve the wallet - but it was gone.

"It's unfortunate that in your own dorm you can't feel safe leaving your belonging unattended" he said.

Students also need to be more vigilant and proactive, said Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush.

One recent criminal was apprehended because a student noticed the theft and immediately called DPS, Rush said.

She added that the case gave DPS new information about the nature of some crimes.

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