PENNSYLVANIA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM UNIVERSITYDecember 21, 2005 Wednesday

Laptops stolen from Slippery Rock U. dorm rooms

By Mike Mallory, The Rocket; SOURCE: Slippery Rock U.

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.


Homecoming is a one-of-a-kind special weekend -- an opportunity for current and former students to join together to display their pride in Slippery Rock University.

However, one serious crime abruptly ruined the weekend for several SRU students.

Following an evening at his friend's apartment on Friday, freshman Rob Rifenburgh said he became suspicious when he found the door to his dorm room on the third floor of Bard Hall unlocked.

When he opened the door, he said he found his laptop computer and battery charger missing. While the speakers remained intact, Rifenburgh said his Ethernet cable was lying on the ground.

He also said he found a large gash on the side of his door, leading him to believe something had been slipped into the side of the door as a point of entry.

Rifenburgh, an apparent burglary victim, said he feels helpless at this point in the situation.

"It sucks because there's nothing you can do about it," Rifenburgh said. "It doesn't affect my opinion of the university, it just affects my opinion of people."

Rifenburgh wasn't the only reported burglary victim in Bard Hall during Homecoming weekend.

Two other students also had laptops stolen when they returned to the dorm following the Homecoming celebration at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Campus Police Chief Robert Christy said the criminal acts are currently under investigation.

"We have received the reports," Christy said. "If there's anything about any theft, report that to the police."

Christy said he feels it's important for students to be aware of and understand the situation so they can be more alert.

Christy also said all students need to make sure their rooms are locked whenever they leave and they need to show concern for all valuable items.

Harner Hall's Resident Network Assistant (RNA) Brian Parker, a junior who lives in Bard, said people don't need to be scared, but they need to pay more attention to what's going on around them.

"Try and make sure people know who lives on the floor," Parker said. "Pay attention to the people that don't live there. You can usually tell if something is not normal."

Parker said students have the opportunity to put locks on their computers to keep them secure.

Several students have also bought safes for their valuables.

Christy said the police may soon set up meetings between the crime prevention officer and residents in order to discuss ways to keep one's items and, most importantly, one's self, safe.

Bright yellow signs have been posted on the doors of each floor stating for residents to lock their doors and to report any suspicious activity.

Bard Hall Community Assistant Joe Lustick said he has been notified of several signs of vandalism on the third floor.

Lustick also said he's been telling his floor residents to watch each other's backs.

"If you see someone suspicious, then notify someone who has the authority to tell them to leave," Lustick said.

(C) 2005 The Rocket via U-WIRE

December 21, 2005