Student Publications Lab Falls Victim to Theft

Staff Writer

   The University of Arkansas-Monticello Student Publications Lab fell victim to the first academic computer theft of the year. 

   The Journalism Lab staff discovered a Mac mini, valued at $1,000, missing Nov. 11. The perpetrator took the CPU, leaving the monitor and keyboard behind.

   “We're still talking to people,” John Kidwell, director of the Office of Public Safety, said.

   According to the initial incident report, the robber entered without the use of force, but the crime still constituted a felony.

   Staffers said they did not know exactly when the theft occurred.

   “Because the missing computer is one rarely used unless a large group is in the lab, we are not sure when it could have gone missing,” Douglas Boultinghouse, editor-in-chief of The Voice, said.

   Security breaches occurred in the past.

   “There have been times when the door has been left open,” Ronald Sitton, professor of journalism and The Voice adviser, said.      

   New measures to protect lab equipment will go into effect, although Sitton left the decision as to which measures to take or whether to invest in security equipment up to the staffers.

   As the formal investigation continues, Sitton and his publications staff hopes someone with any knowledge or information will come forward.

   “We really would like to have it back,” Sitton said, noting the uninsured equipment represents an outright loss for the Student Publications Lab.

   According to the UAM 2010 Annual Security Report/Fire Safety Report, campus officers report all misconduct offenses to the Dean of Students. However, they also report serious crimes and felonies to the Monticello Police Department or other outside authorities for joint investigation as well as for formal prosecution according to applicable law. 

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