Over a month after $5,000 of audio-visual equipment was stolen from Portland State University’s Hoffmann Hall, Campus Public Safety says the theft is still under investigation and no leads have been determined. One suspect, a man who was seen early in the afternoon talking on a cell phone and opening cabinets that were broken into later that day on Nov.
Still no leads for theft of Hoffmann AV equipment *UPDATED*
Over a month after $5,000 of audio-visual equipment was stolen from Portland State University’s Hoffmann Hall, Campus Public Safety says the theft is still under investigation and no leads have been determined.
One suspect, a man who was seen early in the afternoon talking on a cell phone and opening cabinets that were broken into later that day on Nov. 29, was cleared of any wrongdoing after investigation. Monica Morillas, of the audio-visual department, was the last employee to lock up the high tech classroom in the hall. She saw the suspect and pointed him out to Sgt. Sue Otnes of Campus Public Safety and the primary investigating officer of the case.
The outside locks for the hall were not damaged, but cabinets containing the stolen equipment were forcibly entered. Audio-visual employee Chelsea Fox, who discovered that the equipment was stolen, said in the official criminal incident report that only audio-visual technicians, facilities staff and custodial staff have key access to the building. Locks were replaced the day after the incident.
The equipment stolen included two computers, a touch screen remote, a DVD player and various computer peripherals, totaling around $5,000, according to Mark Walker, Technology Classrooms support manager.
The thefts occurred between 12:45 p.m., when Morillas secured the building, and 6 p.m. when Fox arrived.
In the incident report Morillas stated that her locking up routine for that day was typical. She said she checked the main floor and restrooms for anyone left in the building and made sure all the main doors were secured. She left the building around 1 p.m.
Morillas requested recycling services before leaving the building.
The office of Audio Visual Services moved temporary equipment into the hall after the thefts. Mark Gregory, associate vice-president for strategic planning, partnerships and technology said PSU ordered $6,000 of new equipment a few days ago.
Gregory said PSU’s insurance will cover $3,500 of the cost, but $2,500 will be added to the student tech fee, spread out across all students.
