At the end of January, the Division of Public Safety initiated a campaign to curb unattended theft on campus, and DPS officials say the results appear promising.
According to Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush a couple of recent key arrests should substantially lower the high number of thefts from buildings.
From January to April in 2007, 49 thefts from buildings were reported in the Penn Patrol Zone. That number has skyrocketed this year, with a total of 112 reported thefts, representing a 129-percent increase.
But the increase has not been as severe in recent months. The number of thefts from buildings in April 2008 is up 27 percent from April of last year, an increase from 11 thefts to 14.
Penn Chief of Police Mark Dorsey explained that recent developments in investigations will continue to make a strong impact on the numbers for the future.
On March 26, Gregory Postell, 46, was arrested and charged with a series of unattended thefts and burglaries from buildings around Penn.
Dorsey and Rush said they believe the drop in the number of thefts from March to April is at least partially a result of Postell's arrest.
Thirty thefts from buildings were reported this March.
On April 30, Barry Moore, 33, was arrested and charged with 24 counts of burglary and 24 thefts. After an investigation, police used physical evidence from a number of the crime scenes around campus to track Moore's pattern of activity.
Police are waiting to see the impact his arrest has on the numbers of thefts.
Rush said 81 percent of crimes on campus are theft-related. Of that 81 percent, 69 percent is theft of non-retail, unattended or improperly secured items.
Rush noted that arrests are not the only answer to the problem and said DPS' education campaign will continue into next year.
She said she looks forward to speaking with students and parents during New Student Orientation and partnering with other organizations around campus to educate the incoming students about the importance of vigilance and keeping their property safe.
Rush also said that communication with other campus organizations and programs is key to the educational aspect of the campaign.
DPS has asked the Computer Connection to encourage the sale of CompuSafe, a new lowjack system available for laptops.
Rush added that DPS will stress the importance of registering electronic property - serial numbers included - with Campus Express in order to help ensure and ease the return of recovered items.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
