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The Maine Campus Police Beat used to be my favorite part of the paper. There were always entertaining stories about students and their acts of mischief, and it always brought a smile to my face – not to mention it gave bragging rights to your friends who may have achieved celebrity status through it and proudly pinned the article to their wall. These days, Police Beat has lost its edge.
This is both good and bad. It’s good to see students are toning it down a little bit and might not have that “Animal House” mentality I certainly had coming into college. Maine has a serious problem with alcohol abuse and partying, and the fact that there are fewer of these stories will certainly help Dean Dana sleep a little better at night.
It is bad because these stories of debauchery have been replaced with stories of missing iPods, laptops, parking decals and bicycles and, believe it or not, grand theft auto. I’m not talking about someone losing a copy of the classic video game – I’m talking about the real thing: people’s cars being stolen from lots. Anyone that reads this paper has undoubtedly noticed the huge surge in thefts on campus, whether at the Recreation Center, library or residence halls. I do not know the exact figures, but I’m guessing the numbers of thefts on campus have at least doubled since last year. If not, give it some time; they will.
I have never had anything stolen from my dorm room or car at this fine university. There may be a reason for that besides luck. What could it be that separates me from the others? How about the fact that I lock my car, keep an eye on my precious electronic items and don’t leave my stuff unattended? Yeah, that may be why.
The reason I was prompted to write this article is because when I was walking in the library to do some homework, I passed not one, not two but three laptops that were just sitting on unattended desks. If I were so inclined, I could have just tossed them in a backpack quickly and kept going. I personally despise thieves and feel bad for anyone who has had things stolen from them, but come on folks! You’re practically asking for things to be stolen. I see this stuff all the time – an iPod sitting in one of those nice lockers at the Recreation Center or a new MacBook left unattended in the library. Watch your stuff, and it will not get stolen. It’s really that simple. As far as the issue of stolen bikes, if you value your $600 mountain bike, then invest in a $20 lock, and wrap it around a tree, post or railing. I know the bike racks are filling up, but that’s not an excuse.
Take care of your stuff if you want to keep it. There are thieves out there that would love to be riding around on your new bike, listening to your iPod and typing on your laptop . all at the same time.
Preston Hughes is not a crook.
Bangor Daily News