2008 Woodie Awards
More than $30,000 stolen from Center of the Arts
Break in is second in several months
Sarah Kloepping
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: News
University Police are looking for thieves who broke into the Center of the Arts twice in three months and stole nearly $49,000 worth of equipment.
Approximately $30,000- $35,000 in computer equipment, music electronics, digital photography and video equipment was stolen Jan. 15 from the CA, Richard Haven, dean of the College of Arts and Communication said.
In November, about $14,000 in Apple computer equipment and computer music keyboards was stolen. A crowbar was used.
University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said they have no leads in either case, but some physical evidence was found, including damage on the doors from forced entry.
Both incidents occurred on a weekend, and Kiederlen said the lack of potential witnesses could have played a role in how much equipment was taken.
"We just don't have people here on weekends, and I don't mean police, just people in general," he said. "There are no eyes and ears on campus, which could make it easier for the perpetrator."
Much of the stolen equipment is for students majoring in art or music to use for projects and homework.
Jessica Menke, an art major, said although she has her own Mac computer at home, other students rely on the equipment supplied for them in the CA.
"[The break-in] really upsets me especially because we believe they are students, and they know how much we depend on this equipment to learn … a lot of students depend on these computers to get their stuff done during lab hours," she said.
Kiederlen said the campus police have discussed increased security measures including cameras in the CA, but factors such as costs must be considered.
Menke said she seldom has heard of anyone being approached by security for being in the CA while the building was technically closed.
"I just hope they don't make it so we are unable to access the studios on weekends," she said. "The CA is a valuable resource for our learning and quality of art."
Haven said he doesn't want to have to resort to locking down the building because the accessibility is an important tool for students.
"Students and faculty need to be more vigilant," he said. "We need to help police solve this."
Anyone with information on the break-ins is encouraged to contact the University Police at (262) 472-2660.
"We're looking for any information on the break-in or the location of the items taken," Kiederlen said.
A person with tips also can call Crime Stoppers at (262) 723-2677 if he or she doesn't feel comfortable talking to campus police directly and wants to remain anonymous, he said. A cash reward is possible for any information that leads to an arrest.
Approximately $30,000- $35,000 in computer equipment, music electronics, digital photography and video equipment was stolen Jan. 15 from the CA, Richard Haven, dean of the College of Arts and Communication said.
In November, about $14,000 in Apple computer equipment and computer music keyboards was stolen. A crowbar was used.
University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said they have no leads in either case, but some physical evidence was found, including damage on the doors from forced entry.
Both incidents occurred on a weekend, and Kiederlen said the lack of potential witnesses could have played a role in how much equipment was taken.
"We just don't have people here on weekends, and I don't mean police, just people in general," he said. "There are no eyes and ears on campus, which could make it easier for the perpetrator."
Much of the stolen equipment is for students majoring in art or music to use for projects and homework.
Jessica Menke, an art major, said although she has her own Mac computer at home, other students rely on the equipment supplied for them in the CA.
"[The break-in] really upsets me especially because we believe they are students, and they know how much we depend on this equipment to learn … a lot of students depend on these computers to get their stuff done during lab hours," she said.
Kiederlen said the campus police have discussed increased security measures including cameras in the CA, but factors such as costs must be considered.
Menke said she seldom has heard of anyone being approached by security for being in the CA while the building was technically closed.
"I just hope they don't make it so we are unable to access the studios on weekends," she said. "The CA is a valuable resource for our learning and quality of art."
Haven said he doesn't want to have to resort to locking down the building because the accessibility is an important tool for students.
"Students and faculty need to be more vigilant," he said. "We need to help police solve this."
Anyone with information on the break-ins is encouraged to contact the University Police at (262) 472-2660.
"We're looking for any information on the break-in or the location of the items taken," Kiederlen said.
A person with tips also can call Crime Stoppers at (262) 723-2677 if he or she doesn't feel comfortable talking to campus police directly and wants to remain anonymous, he said. A cash reward is possible for any information that leads to an arrest.
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