WASHINGTON COMPUTER THEFT AT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ADDRESSEDThe UW Daily Online



Electronics theft

The value of stolen property in 2004 was about $496,000, down from about $774,000 the previous year, with electronics accounting for the majority. Wittmier said laptop theft has also become a trend across campus.

"Especially when you're talking personal property, laptops are where they get you," he said.

Schulz attributed laptop-theft to students getting bogged down with exams and assignments, which could compromise their awareness of their environment.

Students may be studying at the library and walk off for just a moment, giving thieves the split-second they need to get in and get out.

Neal Finne, a senior majoring in computer science, recalled an incident last spring where thieves broke into McCarty Hall dorm rooms, threatening students at knifepoint and looking for laptops and other expensive equipment.

"Anything can happen on campus at any time," said Schulz.



Preventative measures

"Most of the people who commit crimes on campus have no affiliation with UW," said Wittmier.

Schulz said he considers diligent, 24-hour patrol the most effective means of crime prevention.

There are 48 officers patrolling the UW campus at all hours, Wittmier said.

Arrests have increased 20 percent in 2004, according to the report. UWPD officers took more than 360 criminals into custody in 2004 -- more than one per day. About 14 percent of arrests were regarding warrants for crimes committed elsewhere.