College students may be stereotypically poor, but Murray State’s campus is a profitable place for people looking to steal high-dollar gadgets like cell phones and laptops. This often makes on-campus students victims of theft.
According to the Murray State Police Department, theft of property is the most common offense at the University, with 246 cases opened in 2013. The top stolen items included money, cell phones and bicycles. Kentucky Revised Statutes state theft of property as a Class A misdemeanor unless the value of the property is $500 or more, making it a Class D felony.
“There are a lot of opportunities for theft, especially in a congested area like a college campus,” said Robert Bringhurst, captain in the Murray State Police Department. “By leaving property unattended, an opportunity for theft exists.”
Dorm rooms are the most frequently stolen from because students tend to leave their doors unlocked. However, this does not mean students cannot be a target of theft on other parts of campus.
Bringhurst said once a stolen property call is made, an officer conducts a preliminary investigation of the complaint. Follow-up investigations are conducted as needed.
“In some instances, property is recovered,” Bringhurst said. “If you take certain steps before and after a theft, you can increase the chance of an item being returned to you.”
These steps include keeping a list with a description of all valuables and documents, marking property to distinguish it from someone else’s and to immediately report a theft to authorities. Bringhurst said prompt reporting is an important factor to recovering stolen items and catching the thief.
Sophomore Morgan McDaniel, a victim of bicycle theft, said she wishes more steps would be taken to recover stolen property.
“I feel like the students’ property isn’t necessarily taken seriously and it is not at the highest importance,” McDaniel said. “Public Safety seemed concerned at the moment, but I never got a call to follow up the case and I did not get any information about them still looking.”
McDaniel’s bike was taken from the bicycle rack in front of Regents Residential College. She made a call to Public Safety the next day, but her property was never returned after an officer took a report.
“I feel like they should give Racer Patrol a heads up of things that have been stolen, so they can make sure to keep their eyes open when they are patrolling,” McDaniel said. “It’s just a small thing, and it assures people on campus that Public Safety is taking their call seriously.”
To prevent becoming a victim of theft, students can take several precautions. It is advised to never leave valuables unattended and to secure their residence by locking all windows and doors. This includes the shared bathroom door for students in suite-style residential college rooms. Valuables in the car should not be left in plain view, even if the car is locked.
“I think this campus is safe, but there are a few stories where people had had higher priced things stolen out of their cars and rooms,” McDaniel said. “I always make sure to lock my car and keep important things out of sight. You never know what could happen.”
Story by Carly Besser, Opinion Editor
Submission from JMC 397