MAINE COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM UNIVERSITY Thieves target unattended laptops at UM - Aimee Dolloff (176)

ORONO - Eight laptop computers have been stolen from various University of Maine classrooms and offices since September, and UM police are urging owners to take some precautions to avoid being victimized.

The stolen property amounts to more than $13,000. Some of the computers were UM property, while others belonged to individuals.

"What we think they are is crimes of opportunity," UM Detective Sgt. Chris Gardner said Thursday. "In almost all cases, they've been taken when the laptops have been left unoccupied."

The first theft occurred in September, followed by two in October, one in November, another two in December, and two since the first of the year.

Police said they believe the laptops are being both sold and used by the thieves, but without a suspect, they couldn't speculate further as to why anyone would take the computers.

The most recent incident, which included the theft of a laptop and power projector, was reported Wednesday and the equipment is estimated at about $4,000.

There are no suspects at this point, according to Gardner, but the case remains under investigation.

A campuswide e-mail was sent earlier this week to students, staff and faculty at the request of Public Safety in an attempt to warn laptop owners of the incidents and provide tips on how to avoid being victimized.The following are ways to prevent laptops from being stolen:

.Engrave the laptop with your driver's license number or some other identifiable markings that will be used to identify the laptop and also make it less attractive to thieves. The markings make the machine harder to sell.

. Always keep track of your laptop serial numbers and have them written down in a separate location. This would include mailing in your product registration card upon purchase. Many stolen computers are sent back to the manufacturer months later for repairs or upgrades. Access to the appropriate match between owner and serial number can help the manufacturer return the computer to its rightful owner.

. Never leave your laptop unattended as it only takes a second for it to be removed from a classroom or office. Also be aware that internal hardware can be removed rather quickly.

. Rather than storing your laptop in a case with the brand name on the outside, consider using a backpack with a protective sleeve over the laptop. This will make it less obvious that you are in possession of a laptop.

. Never leave your laptop in plain view and unattended in motor vehicles, classrooms or offices.

Anyone with information about the recent laptop thefts is asked to call Gardner at 581-4048. Information also can be given to police anonymously through the "Campus Eyes" Web site at www.umaine.edu/publicsafety/campuseyes.htm.