NOVA SCOTIA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM COLLEGE The ChronicleHerald.ca: "Student blames NSAC in wake of dorm thefts

By CATHY VON KINTZEL Truro Bureau

BIBLE HILL — Christmas-break thievery has robbed Leah Madore of personal belongings, her sense of security and her faith in officials at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

School officials won’t comment on reports that students in a campus residence were robbed when they were away for the holidays.

But Ms. Madore, a third-year environmental studies student, said Tuesday at least 20 students had property ranging from liquor to a laptop computer stolen from Fraser House and she’s missing an estimated $5,000 in clothing and cellphone accessories.

She said she was never notified her dorm-room door would be unlocked and painted while she was in Newfoundland.

'If I’d known … I would have taken more stuff home with me.'

Ms. Madore wants someone held responsible and wants the school to reimburse her.

She said one person was reimbursed for a laptop, but from what she hears most were told to have their parents contact their insurance companies for compensation. Her family didn’t have the required coverage.

Judy Smith, dean of student services, would not comment on Ms. Madore’s complaints Tuesday or even say whether any thefts occurred.

"Students and students’ concerns are important to us and we deal with them internally," Ms. Smith said. "I’m not prepared to discuss those issues externally."

Colchester RCMP Sgt. Dave Darrah found one complaint dated Jan. 4 regarding a stolen laptop, which police investigated.

He said a campus security firm may have reported other incidents to police and they could have been filed under the name of the person making the call.

"Very often security will call and tell us about an incident," he said. "A lot of times it’s handled in-house."

Student union president Janet Walker said she hasn’t received any theft reports or complaints from students.

"We’re under the understanding that student services is investigating," she said. "I don’t know enough to comment right now."

Ms. Madore, who hadn’t yet filed a police report, accepts some blame for assuming her belongings were safe but said the school should share responsibility.

"During the school year, security is second to none, with locked doors, guest sign-in lists and assorted building patrols."

But she’s not convinced similar precautions were taken at Christmastime and said she’s considering transferring to another school.

"I honestly don’t feel safe in residence anymore."

( cvonkintzel@herald.ca)