Just like the never-ending construction and cramped parking, campus thefts have become routine for University of Memphis students. Unfortunately, many students remain uncertain about what to do when their property leaves without them.
"I'm not really sure. I would probably call the police office somewhere on campus but I'll have to look the number up," said Phillip Black, a senior MIS and finance major.
According to Bruce Harber, Director of Public Safety, alerting campus police is a first step in reporting a theft.
"The main thing to do is to call the dispatcher at 678-HELP (4537). We usually dispatch an officer out and we'll file a report. Depending on the value or if we have serial numbers for the items, we'll also file a report with MPD (Memphis Police Department) and the pawnshop listings," he said.
However, not everyone has been satisfied with the results from this process.
J. Whitney, a junior computer engineering major, is no stranger to on-campus thefts. He had his computer stolen from the McWherter Library.
"As far as the reporting, they handled it just fine but I don't think that they were really concerned with finding it because The University has so many thefts," he said.
According to police statistics for the first 90 days of the year, thefts have reached 41 incidents, 10 more than this time last year. There have been 19 reported vehicle thefts.
Harber wants students to be active in protecting their belongings on campus.
"As far as property goes, if you're in a residence hall be sure to lock your doors and never give anyone a key to your room," he said. "Be sure to lock your vehicles on campus and never leave valuables visible. If you are in class or participating in an activity, leave your belongings in a secure location. In the library, always take your things with you," he said.
Some students said they believe more can be done to make students feel safer about their belongings.
"Our security isn't as tight as it should be. The library needs cameras, the hallways need cameras, the security could be a lot better," Whitney said.
He explained that since almost anyone can just come and go from campus, it allows for more theft.
"The University is a commuter college so that leaves a lot of opportunity for people to come in and pick up backpacks and break in cars," Black said.
Because campus thefts are unlikely to ever stop completely, it is up to students to safe guard their belongings and vehicles.
"Just be a little more cautious and everyone practice good judgment," said Harber.
