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The Daily Tar Heel

DPS takes laptops left in libraries

With midterms in full swing and library attendance peaking this week, unattended belongings could be at a higher risk for theft.

But if a trip to the bathroom results in a missing laptop, the Department of Public Safety could be the culprit.

The staff of Davis Library and the Undergraduate Library are teaming up with DPS to teach students the importance of keeping their possessions with them by temporarily confiscating unattended personal items.

Glenn Hayslett, assistant head of circulation for the UNC Libraries, said DPS officers wait about five minutes before confiscating unattended items and leaving behind a note informing students that their possessions have been taken.

In order to retrieve their belongings, students are directed to the circulation desk, where they must identify the missing object and provide photo identification. A DPS officer or a member of the library staff then talks to the students about the importance of keeping belongings secure.

This program has been going on for several years in an effort to reduce the occurrence of larceny on campus.

“For the past six or eight years, I would say thefts in the library have been down, and the library is a safer place for students to study,” Hayslett said. “One big reason for that is that public safety does more foot patrols in the building and has a more visible presence.”

The shock of seeing a personal item go missing would provide a wake-up call, said freshman Selena Quinteros.

Other students, however, said DPS’s program goes a step too far.

“It’s unfortunate if someone’s stuff gets stolen, but I don’t think we need adult supervision as far as taking care of our personal items,” said sophomore Vernon Stewart.

DPS Spokesman Randy Young said midterm season is an effective time to get the message across due to the high volume of students in the library.

Young said students’ tendency to be absorbed in their studies often leaves them unaware of their surroundings. Extended study breaks also leave students susceptible to theft, especially when it comes to laptops and cellphones, he said.

“Really, the thing to be aware of is that never in the history of the campus, or society really, has so much value resided in such small packages,” he said.

Contact the desk editor at university@dailytarheel.com.

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