There’s been an unfortunate spike in crime at Georgetown this semester. This November, thefts alone increased 44 percent from October. The fact that the majority of these thefts have occurred in public places like the Leavey Center is particularly worrying, as is the fact that a third of the incidents were laptop thefts. Students understand the need to protect their valuable personal belongings, but generally fail to actively do so. Responding to the increase in thefts, the University’s Department of Public Safety has launched a campaign to encourage increased vigilance.
To date, DPS has chosen to concentrate on preventing laptop theft, tweeting messages to us like, “Never leave your laptop alone. Think of it as a child. Would you leave a child alone in a public place?” Whimsical yet stern, the tweet and other theft-prevention tips can be found on the DPS homepage, which students are encouraged to check often. Telling us not to leave our backpacks and laptops unattended is wonderful, but DPS should pay more attention to ensuring that laptops and other electrical equipment are returned to the owners. This semester, about 80 percent of laptop thefts have gone unresolved.
Instead, DPS chooses to focus on preventive measures, like public awareness campaigns, because they expend fewer resources than tracking down a reported theft. Even so, DPS ought to dedicate more of its energy to engage in more effective preventive measures.
The University of Michigan’s free personal electronics protection program, offered to all members of the campus community, could serve as a useful model for DPS’s prevention efforts. Registered members receive stickers to place visibly on their belongings, which serve as theft deterrents. Additionally, a unique registration number helps Michigan’s Department of Public Safety return stolen property in case of recovery.
Moreover, we would like to see more of DPS’s energy devoted to the resolution of theft cases post-facto. As part of their campaign, DPS is subsidizing LoJack, a recovery system operated by police to facilitate the tracking and recovery of stolen electrical equipment. LoJack for laptops sells at a yearly rate of $29.99, but DPS is offering it at a subsidized rate of $13.95. We commend DPS for providing this option, but would like to see them conduct a more compelling public campaign promoting this service.
Laptops, in particular, are central to our academic and social well-being. They hold priceless academic and personal records, and so when they are stolen, students suffer both a financial loss and a blow to their academic record. Owners of November’s stolen laptops may have been careless, but DPS should invest more energy and resources into both preventing theft and making sure each case is solved after the fact.
Oh come on. This is a huge waste of money. Take it from someone who still has their laptop after 3.5 years: it’s not that hard. Lock your door. Don’t leave your laptop unattended. Boom, problem solved. There’s no need to subsidize carelessness and waste resources on something that can be prevented by students themselves.