Spate of thefts in Sussex library

The University of Sussex library was the scene of a spate of thefts over the Easter holidays. In a series of thefts a number of laptops, mobile phones and wallets were stolen. The incidents took place in the library in the week before Easter in which students were working hard on dissertations and essays. All of the items were stolen when individuals left their desks leaving their possessions unguarded.

The police were called to campus on at least two occasions to deal with reported thefts. On one particular day it is believed that at least three laptops were stolen, including a number with crucial coursework and dissertations on. The identity of the culprits is as yet unknown, though the University was quick to suggest that they have already been identified. A statement read: “Police and campus security have been involved in identifying the culprit, including using CCTV footage. While we cannot comment on the ongoing police investigation, there have been no further such incidents since the library re-opened after Easter.”

It appears the thieves carried out a series of thefts in a short period of time and in close proximity to each other. Alana Jones, a 3rd year student, was one the victims. “I just went upstairs to chat to my boyfriend on the computers for 20 minutes and then I heard my alarm on my phone which was set for 7 pm. I thought it was strange that I could hear it from upstairs but I went downstairs to turn it off. When I got down to my bag I found my phone was gone and they had been through my wallet and taken all my cash as well. They must have stolen my phone then gone upstairs to rob more people. The fact I could hear my alarm means that they must have been really close when it went off!” When she went to report it she found she was not the only one. “I went to enquiries to tell them I had been robbed and there was a queue of people who had all just had it happen to them as well. The robber must have done at least five people in twenty minutes.”

Speaking on the day of the thefts another student said: “It makes you think twice really. I always leave my laptop on its own when I go for lunch or to the toilet, in fact I have already done it today. But I don’t think I will be doing that again. It’s just a shame that the safe atmosphere of the library has been ruined.”

In response to the thefts the staff in the library went around the library alerting people of the danger. They spoke to people about the robberies and also gave out cards warning of the dangers. The cards read “Virtually stolen” and warned that possessions were susceptible to theft if left alone even for a few minutes to go to the toilet. The University has committed to new measures to counter the thefts. In a statement to The Badger the press office said: “In addition to the information and advice given to students, the Library is also already investing in anchor points on desks to which laptops can be locked.  Students using laptops in the library and any other buildings on campus are reminded to not leave them unattended at any time.”