[Chad]

New Theft Prevention Initiative

BY CHAD FULLERTON, MACINSIDERS

Recently a MacInsiders user, Joset, made a post in the forums about what students can do to protect themselves from laptop theft, and brought into question what McMaster is doing to help prevent such types of theft as well as providing students with a safe campus in general.

While many things were mentioned, such as campus security patrolling 24/7, emergency stations on campus that go directly to the security office when you need help, Student Walk-Home Attendant Team (SWHAT) to walk you home at night to feel safe, a security office that you can walk up to and report lost or stolen items, as well as discussion about the great initiatives by the Crime Prevention Office.

Another initiative is now going to be put into pilot stages called "Pack-Line". It is covered in section B7 of The Silhouette this week and sounds like a promising initiative. Basically the idea is taking the concept of a bike rack and lock, but instead of for bikes, making it for backpacks and items such as laptops.

The initiative will start during exam time and will be tested in the Burridge Gym (IWC 1). You can purchase a special extra long lock from a booth that will be in the student center. Once you have your lock, simply attach it to your backpack and then lock it to a secured area in your exam area. While it doesn't stop theives from opening zippered pockets (you can lock these too if you have two zippers), it will stop people from trying to walk out with a backpack that doesn't belong to them.

Lets hope it works!