Züm-ing away from theft

Anna Voskuil | News Editor

Featured Image: Züm busses capture on-board incidents through surveillance cameras. | Chrystal Wright

Just like any other day of the week, a York student hopped onto the 501A Züm bus at 8 a.m., ready and eager to learn. However, unbeknownst to them, their computer—along with all their important files—were suddenly stolen.

This unfortunate incident, which occurred last Tuesday (only a few weeks after another student’s laptop was also swiped at the Quad) just outside the Keele campus.

The original Reddit post mentions that the student who fell victim to this crime was asleep while on their way to York. Upon waking just before the bus arrived at 9 a.m., the student noticed their computer was gone.

This student, who wishes to remain anonymous, says they are a teacher-candidate with the Faculty of Education. They note that their work regarding plans for a kindergarten curriculum, as well as other teacher-related files, were all stored on this laptop, and are now gone.

Since then, the student was advised by other Reddit users to change their online passwords, as well as contact Brampton Transit security.

They have since taken the necessary action regarding maintaining their laptop’s security, including filing a report with Brampton Transit.

“I already changed all my passwords on my accounts, and so far, there hasn’t been any suspicious online activity,” they say.

Brampton Transit has been keen to address concerns such as these.

According to The City of Brampton’s Security information page, there are at least four security cameras installed on every Züm bus.

As well, riders are encouraged to utilize the Duress Event Stations (DES) stops, which are available at select Züm bus stops along Queen Street and Main Street; as well as the Bramalea and Brampton Gateway terminals. At a DES stop, riders are able to contact the City of Brampton’s Corporate Security to address their concerns.

Presumably, following this as well as the recent Quad incident, awareness and concern for theft has risen amongst York community members.

“My lesson to all commuters, please keep your laptop hidden somewhere close to you,” the anonymous student advises.

The Reddit post provides a physical description of the stolen item: “it’s an old-school PC laptop, and a laptop bag protection cover. Inside of the laptop bag, there is a thick teacher resource book called ‘Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines.’”

“To the person who stole my laptop: If you have any heart and human decency, I need you to drop it off at the Lost and Found Student Services. I would be forever grateful if you can do that for me,” the student adds

For concerns regarding lost items, York’s Lost and Found Services can be located at Room 107 in the South Ross Building.