Theft

[docks]

How much of a concern is theft on campus? off campus? Do I need to worry about bringing expensive stuff? Do people lock down their laptops with security chains? Do people usually lock their dorm room doors? How about muggings? Are they common?

Thanks!

[stephew]

How much of a concern is theft on campus? off campus? Do I need to worry about bringing expensive stuff? Do people lock down their laptops with security chains? Do people usually lock their dorm room doors? How about muggings? Are they common?

Thanks! use common sence. lock your door; dont go to "local hangouts" just like you would in the us. etc.
steph

[clinicalso]

Piece of advice about safety and locking stuff up: pretend you live in NYC and you'll be fine.

And if you are looking for a comparison... on-campus is safer- you just have to worry about your roommate stealing stuff, not all the locals. But off-campus housing is so much more pleasant (in my opinion) to live in. You also get to experience actually living on the island, instead of being cut off from everyone else, like living at a military base.

It's different for everybody though.

[Silenthunder]

I brought a laptop chain/lock with me; used it in my dorm room, but rarely in the library. Still think it's a good idea.

Cheers,

Silenthunder

[emt036]

I always lock my room door. I also brought a laptop lock down with me, and I would lock my laptop anytime I was away from it for a while (in my room, library, etc) There are students who leave their laptops and all their expensive belongings in the library all day unsecured, so I can't think theft is that big a problem...

As far as muggings... There havent been anymore that I know of since they caught the two perps discussed in this thread:

http://www.valuemd.com/viewtopic.php?t=14319

[stranger2]

Easy with NYC stereotype. We others have a sensitive heart. :( . Theft occurrs in churches as well. So use common sense when it come to expensive/important stuff! such as laptop, MP3 players, wallets...

[docks]

Thanks for all the responses. I don't know what it's like to live in NYC and I'm well aware of the "use common sense" answer. I was curious to see if even with common sense, theft rates were a significant concern. I'm surprised at the response with unsecured belongings in the library. I hope there are no locals who are reading this thread feeling tempted. :wink:

For off-campus housing, is the safety comparable to a nice suburb (no iron gates in front of windows) or to a more shady cosmo (iron gates ad nauseum)?

- Docks

[seagoddess]

Lap tops have been stolen from the library. Recently, a mass e-mail was sent by the dean asking to secure one's belongings since a lap top was stolen recently.

[docks]

Lap tops have been stolen from the library. Recently, a mass e-mail was sent by the dean asking to secure one's belongings since a lap top was stolen recently.

Have they been able to find out who it was? Was it a student gone rogue, a disgruntled employee, or an opportunistic local?

[Jay]

Lap tops have been stolen from the library. Recently, a mass e-mail was sent by the dean asking to secure one's belongings since a lap top was stolen recently.

People still leave their laptops lying around unsecured while they go on 3 hour lunch/dinner breaks or 1 hour D-store breaks. It seems as most people trust that their laptop will be there once they get back, no matter how long their "break" is.

[SGUfanatic]

From what I've read, it's not anything worse than the U.S. I live in a good neighborhood in Los Angeles, and my car was just broken into an hour ago and they wrecked the inside and took my CDs and radio and navigation. I think this would be a big deal if it happened at SGU but it's just like anywhere from what I"ve read.

[monstergirl]

Yes, easy with the NYC stereotype. I'm born & raised in Manhattan and never been robbed or attacked. Its all about common sence, handling others well and awareness.

I am not bringing anything I dont want stolen, and in fact bringing things I can leave behind once its time to leave.

Re valuables: laptop lock would be good, etc... dont bring jelwery you dont want to disappear in some way.

[Houstonian]

Lap tops have been stolen from the library. Recently, a mass e-mail was sent by the dean asking to secure one's belongings since a lap top was stolen recently.

Have they been able to find out who it was? Was it a student gone rogue, a disgruntled employee, or an opportunistic local?

In the last year, I personally have been in both the East and West wings of the 3rd floor of the Library (24 hour study areas) when students have returned to their desks to find their laptops had been stolen. In both the cases I was witness to the fact that there were students in the general area, but the laptop was still stolen. It takes less than a few seconds to grab it and put in a backpack. Students seem to become amazingly complacent as the term goes on and especially during exam periods, which is when each of these was stolen. Leaving for a snack, meal, or quick small group session seems to be the common time when laptops are stolen. A couple of laptops I understand that have been recovered were apparently stolen by undergrad students. They happen to be Grenadians. Not to blame all Grenadians, but thats what campus security and the local police uncovered. I chalk it up to them having the least means and most awareness of where to unload such an item in such a small island.

As a word of caution, remember no one is immune to theft and having your "friends" keep an eye on your laptop while they are immersed in studying in their own cubicles or at another desk is a recipe for disaster. Get a lock and use it religiously. It's like wearing a seat belt. It's amazingly inconvenient and bothersome, but it can be a life saver.

[stephew]

Yes, easy with the NYC stereotype. I'm born & raised in Manhattan and never been robbed or attacked. Its all about common sence, handling others well and awareness.
i am also a manhattanite and I can say the same thing;