Issue 149

Library thefts hit student valuables

20th November 2006

A spate of thefts has shocked students and university staff. In a five day period, one bag and three wallets have been reported stolen from individuals in the University library and it has been suggested that more thefts have happened but have gone unreported. The close succession of the thefts has led to speculation that crimes were committed by one individual or a group of people working together.

Separate Library staff took the initiative of placing warning notices up around the building to warn students and intimidate the thieves. The strategy appears to have worked as no thefts have been reported in the last week.

The police have also been working to prevent the thefts and catch the thieves. Uniformed police officers have been patrolling the library to deter the thefts and undercover officers have been working in the library to catch any criminals operating in the area. The library porters have also been working on high alert.

Sarah Marsh, deputy director of the Library and Information Services, said, "We want to remind people to take extra care with their valuables. We are doing all we can to prevent further thefts. If anyone does have anything stolen from them in the library they should tell the porters immediately."

Police have been going through CCTV footage with victims and it is thought that a suspect may have been caught on film. Any other reports of theft on campus could lead to other CCTV evidence being exposed, prosecutions being made and valuables being returned.

Owen Morgan, the students' union president, said, "I sent an email warning students to keep ipods, wallets and phones hidden. Speaking from experience, in the last three years of study, I know how easy it is to leave your valuables lying around whilst wandering off for a coffee. Stay vigilant. Stay safe!"

The campus police officer P.C. Peter Edwards issued an email to all students asking for students to report anyone looking or acting suspiciously in the library to the porters or the library staff immediately.

The thefts in the library area come across the back drop of a surge of thefts across the Swansea student community in general. Two months ago students properties were targeted in the Uplands area and this month saw the theft of two student cars in the Bryn Mill area.

Pete Swan