IRVINE : UCI to Boost Security in Wake of Thefts

Personal computers have become so popular at UC Irvine that the university is having problems getting its new equipment out of shipping boxes and into use before it is stolen--a growing trend that has prompted administrators to clamp down on campus thefts.

“This is not simple pilfering; this is very open theft that occurs during the day,” Arnold Kaufman, director of business and contract services, said during the university’s first crime-prevention workshop held at the Bren Events Center on Tuesday. “Very few of the thefts on our campus involve breaking and entering.”

Kaufman told a group of university employees at seminars throughout the day that during the summer months, 28 thefts at the university resulted in an estimated loss of $85,000, and that more than 83% of those thefts involved personal computers. Last year, total property losses amounted to more that $100,000, he said.

The increase in thefts during the past eight months, and the apparent ease of stealing university property, suggested that carelessness by those responsible for securing offices and buildings was a key factor, said Jacquelin Fenton, an assistant purchasing manager who helped organize the event.

In one instance, a classroom’s entire supply of microscopes was stolen, and when they were replaced, the old ones were returned and the new ones taken, Fenton said. Other accounts of professors whose equipment was stolen three and four times--sometimes while it was still in shipping packages--ultimately convinced university officials that the situation was out of control.

“We’re trying to make this campus more aware that it’s everyone’s responsibility,” Fenton said. “It’s the taxpayers’ money, and we’re all taxpayers.”

The population increase in the campus community and the growing popularity of personal computers have also intensified the problem, said campus police training officer Scott Roberts.

Among the tactics to be used to curb the rising theft rate are a community watch system, increases in nighttime police security and possible identification badges to be worn by employees.

In addition, department representatives on Tuesday were told to engrave university identification onto equipment most vulnerable to theft.

However, organizers of Tuesday’s workshop agree that there is no sure way to stop campus thefts.

“No system is foolproof,” said campus police Sgt. John Hoffman. “Computer thefts, unfortunately, are here to stay.”