“**We’re trying to be as sensitive as we can in providing the best service to students while also maintaining the security that’s necessary,**”
Hemming said.

Over the past year 17 backpacks have been stolen from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Bookstore, according to results from a database search conducted by UWM police Sgt. Arthur Koch.

The database search looked for backpack thefts that occurred between Jan 1. 2007 and March 5, 2008, and does not include backpacks that were reportedly taken by accident and later returned.

The thefts seemed to come in spurts as many took place within a short period of time, followed by periods of inactivity.

Two such backpack thefts, which occurred Feb. 27 and 28, resulted in a total of over $1000 in personal property being stolen from the victims. Surveillance video from the bookstore identified one suspect being responsible both instances. A 21-year-old man not enrolled at the university was later arrested by UWM police after being spotted in the Union later that week, Koch said.

Unfortunately none of the items stolen from the victims, including a laptop computer and prescription glasses, were able to be retrieved. The suspect, who has since confessed to stealing three to four other backpacks from the bookstore, said he “dumped” the items. The case will be reviewed by the District Attorney with criminal charges pending, Koch concluded.

While students are often in a hurry, Koch emphasized the importance of taking an extra minute in order to secure personal items.

“My recommendation is that students use the free lockers,” Koch said. “There’s too much temptation when hundreds of backpacks are just sitting there.”

Jackie Babe, a customer service representative at the UWM bookstore, said that although the store does employ some security personnel, their main focus is retail theft within the store and not student’s property. She said the bookstore isn’t responsible for lost or stolen items and pointed out the signs near the entryway that state this.

Babe said missing backpacks usually end up just being a case of mistaken identity, especially with popular backpack brands like Jansport. She said she doesn’t understand why students choose not to lock up expensive items.

“We tell people over and over to lock up their backpacks,” Babe said. “If I was shopping here, I would lock mine up.”

Erik Hemming, the UWM Bookstore Director, said utilizing “psychological prevention” in the form of student security and surveillance cameras, has been the most balanced approach to theft prevention.

While Hemming also advocates the use of lockers for personal items, he admits that the 63 lockers the store provides may not always be enough.

“During peak rush periods, there aren’t always enough lockers to go around,” Hemming said. “Sometimes there are 10 to 20 students coming in per minute, so we have to rely on student security and surveillance cameras, and catch them after the fact.”

Hemming said he periodically looks into security measures employed in other university bookstores, like electronic security sensors and bag checks at the door. Hemming also mentioned the possibility of building additional lockers for students, but hasn’t determined the ideal place to put them. He said the best place to put them would be right in the middle of the store, but that heavy traffic would make this difficult.

Hemming said it’s all about finding a cost effective balance.

“We’re trying to be as sensitive as we can in providing the best service to students while also maintaining the security that’s necessary,” Hemming said.

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