ONTARIO COMPUTER STOLEN FROM WESTERN UNIVERSITY Top stories at The University of Western OntarioProfessor’s Research Stolen May 7th, 2004


A computer system containing a decade’s worth of a biology professor’s research was discovered stolen early Friday morning.

Campus Community Police Service Director Elgin Austen says a forced entry through a back door to the Staging building was discovered about 7 a.m. Friday morning and six offices had been entered.

An older desktop computer system was taken from one office and other equipment moved around. The computer system contained 10 years of research by a biology professor that had not been backed up.

Value of the computer is approximately $2,000, but the most significant loss is the research material, says Austen.

“It’s very important that all computer users on campus back up their material or seek help to do so,” says Austen.

Campus and city police are investigating the incident and fingerprints have been retrieved from the crime scene.

Campus security has been beefed up in the wake of recent thefts and break-ins on campus. Security officers are patrolling the campus and buildings in addition to campus police.

Austen says it is important for people to remain alert during this quieter time on campus and to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 from campus emergency phones 24-hours-a-day.