(March 23, 2009) In the middle of the afternoon on Thursday, March 19, a thief got away with a laptop computer from an office at UC Denver's Lawrence Street Center, Downtown Denver.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, 5’8” to 5’10”; black hair; wearing a purple/pink short sleeve shirt with a collar, blue jeans and carrying a computer bag.

Laptop thefts are a crime of opportunity. The Denver Police Department recently arrested four different groups of individuals suspected of stealing laptops throughout downtown Denver. But this latest UC Denver incident means thefts are continuing.

The common factors in these crimes include access to open office areas -- areas where the perpetrators are not challenged. But if confronted, these individuals say they are 'looking for someone.' In many instances, they name someone whose name they have seen on a door or desk, and they're aware the person they name is not there at the time. Later, items are missing.

Prevention is the best solution.

• Lock up anything/everything that can be picked up and carried away. It takes 15 seconds to steal something. Remember that cell phones, purses, wallets and keys all are valuable criminals.
• Confront strangers. You can be customer friendly but still protect your work space. If they tell you they are looking for someone, ask more questions. Stay with the stranger till that the employee returns.
• If you have a suspicious person, a crime in progress or a crime that just occurred:
• Downtown Campus – call 911 from any campus phone or 303-556-5000 for the Auraria Campus Police Department. Then contact the security guard at 303-352-3829.
• Anschutz Medical Campus – call 911 from any campus phone or 303-724-4444 for the UC Denver Police Department
• Off-campus – call  911

UC Denver Police Chief Doug Abraham reminds us, "it takes just 15 seconds to steal something. So, be aware and minimize opportunities for thieves."