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.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
