Theft on the rise on Concordia's downtown campus

The expansion of the Guy-Concordia metro station is partly to blame for the increase in theft on Concordia's downtown campus.

Concordia's interim director of security Jacques Lachance said the new tunnels make it easier for thieves to flee the scene.

So far this year, more than 230 items were reported stolen to Concordia security. Their value is estimated at around $120,000. 

Personal items belonging to staff, faculty and students make up most of those incidences of theft. Concordia-owned property was also stolen. So far in 2011, an Apple iPad, a projector screen, theatre masks and laptops have been stolen. Thriteen computers have also gone missing. Some printer paper, dinner plates and toilet paper rolls were also reported stolen. 

Lachance said stolen items are not often recovered. But he also stressed the importance of reporting stolen items to police, who can investigate and build cases against culprits. He said the police visit pawn shops to try to locate the materials. Concordia security provides clues they may have to the police. 

More than a quarter of all cases occured in the LB building downtown. 

In 2010, 215 total items were stolen.

The information comes from a security department report detailing thefts on campus which was obtained by The Concordian through an access to information request. 

University spokesperson Chris Mota said it's important for victims of theft to report it to the police. Otherwise, Concordia becomes a target. Thieves would know they can steal because there is little follow-up. 

Concordia security investigator-preventionist Lyne Denis offers some tips to students to avoid becoming a victim of theft on campus.

She suggests never leaving your belongings unattended and always have them in sight. She also urges students to leave valuables they don't absolutely need to have on them at home. 

Photo taken in Webster Library women's bathroomby Hardial Rosner