Students, security on watch in library during finals week
By Brittany Shammas (Last updated: 04/29/09 11:20pm)With final exams just a few days away, students across campus are flocking to the Main Library, raising concerns about safety and the potential for increased theft.
A preoccupation with studying might make students an easy target for theft, MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said. Some students leave belongings unattended, creating an opportunity for thieves, she said.
“(Students) don’t always remember to take their items or think they won’t be the victim,” she said. “It’s a public place, people aren’t paying attention and it’s a crime of opportunity — seeing something sitting on (a) table. If no one’s in the area, someone will take it.”
Bright pink signs taped to each library door warn entrants of an increase in theft. Additional signs throughout the library remind students to watch their possessions.
“If I were stealing stuff, I think now might be a good time to do it because people are preoccupied with other stuff,” history junior Steve Boland said.
Faye Backie, associate director for public services for MSU libraries, said the extent of security — which consists of monitoring by library staff and community police — does not change during finals week.
But Backie said one positive of finals week is the increased number of people in the building.
“We were walking around last night at 9:30 and almost every seat was occupied,” she said. “When there’s that density, less things happen because there are people observing others.”
Prenursing sophomore Patricia Kelly, one of hundreds of students studying in the library Wednesday afternoon, said some students don’t seem to worry about theft.
“I just noticed a sign about theft yesterday at a table with stuff where no one was sitting, so I guess they didn’t pay attention,” she said.
Kelly said she studies with a group and leaves her possessions in the company of friends — measures both Backie and McGlothian-Taylor recommend.
McGlothian-Taylor also encouraged students not to walk home alone.
The State Walk program, provided by members of the non-greek coed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, offers students a partner to walk with to any campus location from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Dan Crawford, co-chair of State Walk, said beginning Monday, hours will be extended to 2 a.m. for finals week.
“I wouldn’t want my friends to feel like they have to walk alone, so I’m just helping others out and keeping others safe,” he said. “It makes me feel better knowing others are safe.”
Originally Published: 04/29/09 11:20pm
tgl
04/30/09 7:35amHey, just have your friends watch your stuff.
Not true
04/30/09 9:53amYou need to watch your own stuff,if not a thief will be watching it and taking it, so be very careful. Be responsible for yourself.
tgl
04/30/09 10:07amNot True,
Duh, it was a joke relating to the article in the paper yesterday about the guy that left his things with friends that watched someone steal his things.
No kidding you need to be responsible for your own stuff.
True tgl
04/30/09 12:19pmThen say it that way, don’t mislead people into being foolish! You can never be too careful with your belonging, if you aren’t someone else will be. Take your things with you, don’t trust others to watch them for you. I have read alot of the police briefs to know this. Actally they have been my favorite part of the State News for some time and that reminds me I better check todays story out. I love to see what I find there, especially in the blogs, keeps my life interesting to have a good read when I can.
neighborhood watcher
04/30/09 2:17pmthat steve guy sounds like he’s going around stealing stuff.
Scruff McGruff
04/30/09 2:19pmI agree. Steve Boland is a jerk.
WOW
04/30/09 6:11pmReally SN? Really? That Steve Boland quote was probably THE WORST, MOST POINTLESS quote I have ever read in any paper…EVER!
I mean…come on! He used the word “stuff” twice in one sentence. What a tool, and what a horrible quote to put in an article.
Keep up the good work!!!
Hope
05/06/09 12:07pmI make sure to keep a close eye on my belongings at the library. I never leave anything I own with anyone. I completely rely on myself to watch my own belongings. I don’t want to suffer the loss of my laptop, text books, back pack, necklace, purse and all the other stolen items that I have read about. I have learned how crafty these thieves are and they are there watching waiting for an oportunity to take whatever they can and off they go. I even like to take the time to check my e-mails and stay on top of messages sent to me, even when I blog or between blogging. I feel alright today, if you catch my drift, hope you do too. :)
Time to go
05/06/09 1:18pmLet us all remember to be kind. Remember what we leave behind. And what we take forward with us, as we go through life. Remember you always take yourself, your decisions, your values,your ideas, and everthing you are. Learn to be kind, it is a joy that nothing else comes close to. Some people have so much to offer and want to fool the world by a cold exterior. Not true I know you. To all best of luck on your exams!
Glad that Finals are over, and my blogging days too!!!
05/08/09 12:34pmThanks MSU! I look forward to graduating, can’t wait! I have treasured my time hitting the books and learning how to write. I have become a brillant student I must say. My mom and dad are so proud of me and all my hard work! Good bye dear Library, I will always have found memories of the time I spent studying. I just love to hit the books, amazing what I have learned.
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*snicker*
05/09/09 8:16amSteve Boland sounds like the guy that WOULD be stealing from the library, hahaha. Too funny.
Did someone say snicker?
05/09/09 1:17pmMy favorite candy bar! Why did you have to go and make me hungry? Chocolate, caramel and nuts, ummm so good!
You're welcome
05/09/09 1:21pmThank you and so are you. I now know the correct grammar, thank you! Do people apologize through songs or was it something else? Und I was wondering?