An ongoing string of reported laptop thefts began Oct. 2 at Oswego State’s Penfield Library third floor study rooms, with the most recent on Oct. 9, according to University Police Chief John Rossi.

So far, there have been five thefts when the laptops were left unattended at the library. Rossi said the thefts are under investigation and the footage on the security cameras in the library are being reviewed. As of now, there are no suspects.

Rossi said he cannot do anything to help recover the stolen laptops. He said he hopes the students have homeowners or rental insurance that can cover for the loss and that they have all of their work backed up on a cloud.

Rossi urges students to do the following: sleep on top of the laptop if it is necessary to nap in the library, do not leave valuables unattended or ask strangers to watch them, use commercial location software, such as Apple FindMyiPhone or use tamper-resistant tags that can be applied to the laptop to identify it in case of theft, and engrave their driver’s license identification number on the bottom of the laptop.

Rossi also encourages students to report suspicious behavior by calling University Police at 315-312-5555 or by using the Oswego Guardian app, which offers a feature to text University Police.

“University Police have also had burglaries reported in the last two weeks from unlocked residence hall rooms and Village [town houses],” Rossi said. “Please keep your doors locked even if you leave for a short time. See it; hear it; report it.”

Photos by Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian