Kwaku Wikeroh-Boateng
Contributor
During the first three weeks of September, 11 Keele campus thefts were reported on York security’s website, including a stolen bicycle, wallet, cellphone, knapsack and clothes from a laundry basket. 
Robert Kilfoyle, director of York’s security services, noted that students often leave their belongings unattended, making them vulnerable to theft.
“Students find study spots in the library and, because these places are difficult to come by, they do not want to give them up when they have to go to the washroom,” said Kilfoyle.
“When [students] come back, quite often, their items have already been stolen.”
Martin Bojankov, a second-year computer science student, said that he usually gets someone to watch his things for him.
“I just ask a friend to look after my stuff when I am at the [Scott] library and need to go to the washroom,” he said.
Kilfoyle warned students about entrusting strangers with their personal property.
He added that there have been incidents in which a student asked someone to watch their laptop and the person who was entrusted to watch the property becomes the person who takes it.
Third-year kinesiology student Kenneth Tschernow said that he always makes sure he secures his belongings.
“I have never had an item of mine stolen on campus before,” he said. “I usually keep everything close by and bring a lock when I go to the [Tait McKenzie] gym.”
However, he said, not everyone is as cautious as him.
“I have noticed many people use lockers on campus without putting locks on them. That is not really smart,” he added.
Kilfoyle advised students to secure their belongings at all times and to call York security if they witness any suspicious activity on campus.
He also reminded students that not everyone on campus is a York community member.
