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The Daily OrangeThief posing as construction worker caught by Public Safety
By Daniel Bortz
Posted: 11/1/07, 12:28 AM EST Section: News
Department of Public Safety arrested a suspect earlier this week in response to a stolen laptop incident from Newhouse III on Oct. 22. The arrest was made after confirming details from an eyewitness account.
The investigation is still ongoing as DPS seeks additional information, as well as exploring the possibility of an accomplice, said Chief Anthony Callisto.
"Faculty and staff typically immediately report crime to DPS so we can respond and apprehend a suspect or conduct an investigation," Callisto said.
The suspect allegedly disguised as a maintenance worker to avoid detection, said Rosanna Grassi, associate dean for student affairs at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. This method of concealment enabled the thief to blend in with construction workers completing Newhouse III.
Newhouse adjunct Doug Strahler confirmed the stolen computer belonged to him. He said he left his laptop in room 254 on the morning of Oct. 22. Upon his return, his laptop had disappeared. He then notified Newhouse administrators as well as DPS.
"No one has come forward to say they witnessed the suspect talking with other 'maintenance workers,' so as of yet, there is no reason to suspect the person had an accomplice," said Susan Nash, Newhouse director of administration.
Despite the building's dedication on Sept. 19, a majority of classrooms and workspaces are still under construction. However, Callisto maintains that Newhouse III was not especially susceptible to theft as a result of it not being fully completed.
"There are several larcenies that occur in campus buildings each year, and Newhouse is no more prone to larcenies than any other building," Callisto said. "Our Crime Prevention Unit offers tips (for students and faculty) on how to minimize larcenies."
Generally, when a crime is committed on campus, DPS issues an e-mail notification to inform all students of the incident and necessary precautions to take.
These warnings usually include when and where the incident took place, a description of the suspect, a telephone number for any additional information and a list of safety precautions for students to remember.
The investigation is still ongoing as DPS seeks additional information, as well as exploring the possibility of an accomplice, said Chief Anthony Callisto.
"Faculty and staff typically immediately report crime to DPS so we can respond and apprehend a suspect or conduct an investigation," Callisto said.
The suspect allegedly disguised as a maintenance worker to avoid detection, said Rosanna Grassi, associate dean for student affairs at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. This method of concealment enabled the thief to blend in with construction workers completing Newhouse III.
Newhouse adjunct Doug Strahler confirmed the stolen computer belonged to him. He said he left his laptop in room 254 on the morning of Oct. 22. Upon his return, his laptop had disappeared. He then notified Newhouse administrators as well as DPS.
"No one has come forward to say they witnessed the suspect talking with other 'maintenance workers,' so as of yet, there is no reason to suspect the person had an accomplice," said Susan Nash, Newhouse director of administration.
Despite the building's dedication on Sept. 19, a majority of classrooms and workspaces are still under construction. However, Callisto maintains that Newhouse III was not especially susceptible to theft as a result of it not being fully completed.
"There are several larcenies that occur in campus buildings each year, and Newhouse is no more prone to larcenies than any other building," Callisto said. "Our Crime Prevention Unit offers tips (for students and faculty) on how to minimize larcenies."
Generally, when a crime is committed on campus, DPS issues an e-mail notification to inform all students of the incident and necessary precautions to take.
These warnings usually include when and where the incident took place, a description of the suspect, a telephone number for any additional information and a list of safety precautions for students to remember.
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