ILLINOIS COMPUTERS STOLEN The News-Gazette.com:Property worth about $6,000 stolen in two thefts

Property worth about $6,000 stolen in two thefts

By The News-Gazette

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 10:52 AM

University of Illinois police are investigating two separate cases in which property worth about $3,000 each was stolen on campus.

A female student reported a backpack, laptop computer, iPod, digital camera and voice recorder were stolen after she left them outside her locker at the Harding Band Building, 1103 S. Sixth St. on Saturday. Total value was listed at $2,820.

Another female student reported that her laptop valued at $3,000 was stolen from the dining facility at Hopkins Hall, 103 E. Gregory Drive, about 6 p.m. Sunday after she apparently left it unattended.

UI Assistant Police Chief Jeff Christensen said a lot of thefts of unattended property occur every year at the campus residence halls, library and Illini Union.

"Theft is the No. 1 crime on campus, and we touch on that pretty heavily in the student orientations," Christensen said.

Annual campus crime data showed there were 369 thefts and attempted thefts in 2005 and 264 thefts and attempts reported on campus in 2006.

"By nature, we are trusting. When we go get a soda or go to the bathroom, we think it will be all right to leave our property," Christensen said. "We try to get people to 'keep honest people honest.' Most people wouldn't think of stealing somebody else's book bag or iPod, but if you leave it sitting unattended in plain view, it becomes an opportunity. You've got to take away the opportunity."