The University of Wyoming Police Department (UWPD) is still investigating a series of thefts of computers and other electronics from both the Geology and Engineering Buildings that began in August.
According to an email from Chad Baldwin, UW’s director of Institutional Communications, seven incidents of theft occurred in the Engineering Building and four in the Geology Building. The total value of the stolen items is not yet available.
“Yes, the UWPD is investigating a series of thefts from the Engineering and Geology Buildings beginning in August,” Baldwin said in an email. “The majority of property taken has been electronics, including laptop computers.”
Baldwin also said that the university is taking steps to improve the physical security of both buildings, though the UW Physical Plant declined to comment on any specific steps that they may have taken to increase the security of either building.
Both UWPD and Baldwin could not comment on possible suspects in the investigation, as it is ongoing.
“Any information about who may be doing the stealing is not available because of the ongoing investigation,” Baldwin said.
Members of both the Geology and Engineering faculty were unable to comment on the incidents as well.
“It is an active investigation so I wouldn’t want to horn in on it,” Paul Heller, Head of the Geology Department, said via email.
Following the thefts, heads of both departments notified their employees of the incidents.
“Department heads did notify faculty and staff immediately, and we did the broader public notices on general crime prevention,” Baldwin said.
The university released the general notices Baldwin referred to in the form of a press release UW put out in October that advised both students and faculty to take a number of steps to prevent thefts such as the ones currently under investigation.
The steps included keeping offices and work areas secured when not in use or supervised, securing desktops and other technology when feasible and removing personal property from offices.
Baldwin gave additional precautionary measures for students and faculty in his email, which said that people should avoid propping open or unlocking doors after hours, should back up all of their data and be aware of any and all unfamiliar visitors in buildings. Baldwin also advised taking photos of “computers, printers, other valuable items that could be the target of a theft (sic),” and to record the items’ model and serial numbers.
Students can give information regarding the case to UWPD by calling 766-5179. Students can also send information anonymously through text by sending the keyword UWYO to 847411 or Tip411.
