<p>If you study in one of the UT libraries and need to get up from your table even for just a minute, you really can't leave anything behind. Bring a friend to watch your stuff, so one person is always at the table with your books and backpack - and especially your laptop. News like the following is in the "campuswatch" email regularly.
[quote]
PERRY CASTANEDA LIBRARY, 101 East 21st Street
Theft: A black Compaq Presario C-500 laptop computer was stolen while it was left on a 6th floor study table as the owner used the restroom. Prior to leaving the laptop on the table, the owner felt someone walking back and forth behind his table, but the owner did not see the person. Loss value: $750.00. Occurred on 10/01/09 between 9:10 AM and 9:15 AM.
<p>You take all your valuables with you but leave “prop” books opened ( a few library books or reference books) from the bookshelves and papers scattered so you can save your place. I’m sure it was taken as soon as the student turned the corner.</p>
<p>It’s sad that we have so many theives on-campus. I had my textbook stolen when I went to go pick up something I dropped and I suspect it was the guy next to me because he was waiting for me to leave and kept glancing over me. I told UTPD about it but they said they can’t search someone just purely on suspicion so I’m w/o a econ textbook :(</p>
<p>Maybe they need to have staff walk around or better yet put up some cameras to monitor inside the “quiet” study room (which is hardly ever quiet in the PCL).</p>