ALABAMA COMPUTERS STOLEN Crime Wave Hits Campus: Computers Go Missing : Exponent:

Crime Wave Hits Campus: Computers Go Missing

By: Beth Faulk
February 26, 2009

There has been an increase in computer thefts at UAH over the last several months. Several weeks ago, two computers were stolen out of the Exponent office. Last semester, the Audiovisual Department had several laptops stolen.

The computers taken from the Exponent Office include a Macintosh Mini, which was less than two years old and valued at about $700. The other computer was about 5 or 6 years old. Records show that the computers have not been connected to the network as of January 18^th. When the Exponent went to print, no serial numbers for these computers had been provided by the University.

“I attempted to contact the University several times in order to give the police the information that they needed and have been denied,” said Editor Karen Pullins.

“[The stolen Exponent computers] is the last reported theft from the UC we’ve received,” said Chief of UAH Police Charles Gailes. Over the year, there have been other items taken, but this is infrequent. Usually what is reported is unattended property.”

Last fall, the Audiovisual Department had several computers stolen, as well. Last fall, a laptop set up for a presentation in the Shelby Center the next morning was stolen. “Somebody just came in there and got it. The room was locked up, so someone had keys to get in,” said William Hall, the Audiovisual Coordinator.

A month later, another laptop belonging to the audiovisual department, this one brand new, was stolen from UC Exhibit Hall between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the morning.

At the time, students on the audiovisual staff were suspected. “I didn’t think that was the case,” said Hall. “One, my students don’t have key access to the Shelby Center. Two, in order to get into [the University Center] after hours and to steal acomputer, there would be a card record where they came in the door. Third, why would my students steal a computer that they also profusely begged me to buy so that we could use it? It’s an integral part of what we do; it makes their lives easier. They bought thecomputer with what they wanted on it to accomplish the tasks that they wanted to try and accomplish, and to try and take this department to where they wanted to take it. And for them to steal thatcomputer and limit their capability was just beyond me - I just didn’t think that was the case.”

The computer was signed onto the network system somewhere on campus using Hall’s password. He believes that the password was saved on the computer when the computer was set up on the wireless network. “I told police that I didn’t even know what my password was,” he said. “So I don’t see how any of my students could have gotten it.”

If you know anything or have any information about these thefts, please contact the UAH Police Department as soon as possible.