University police expect 60 to 80 burglary reports on campus this semester alone.
Bob Fey, assistant police chief, said burglary is currently the third most common crime on Ball State's campus, after alcohol-related offenses and theft.
On Jan. 16 two Epson projectors were reported stolen from the Teachers College Building.
The projectors costing $4,000 each have not yet been recovered, Fey said.
"We're still trying to contact instructors in an effort to find out when the projectors were last known to be in place," he said.
Sociology professor Melinda Messineo said she didn't even find out about the projectors until her 2 p.m. class in room 101 on Jan. 20-the first day after break.
Unlike other professors who were forced to cancel class, Messineo said she was fortunate to have created backup overheads, which she prepares for her lectures in case of a technical problem.
"We as a faculty have grown rather dependent on technology," Messineo said. "We spend a great deal of time integrating items into our classes, so it is very disappointing when the technology is not available."
While the data projectors in the rooms have been replaced, Messineo said the burglary had a significant impact on students, especially those in larger classes.
"If there is no way to show videos, there is the potential that students will not receive the material they should be receiving," she said.
Fey said 12 data projectors were stolen from classrooms across campus last year; however, these were the first two projectors stolen from the Teachers College this semester.
The projectors could have been stolen for use in a home, he said.
"It's unfair to students who enjoy the chance to have these audio visuals in class," Fey said. "We are certainly interested in hearing from the university community about where the projectors might be and who is responsible for stealing them."
While university offices and classrooms are not immune to burglary, however, Fey said this crime is most common in residence halls and apartments.
In fact, out of the 40 burglaries that were reported last semester, about half were from residence halls, Fey said.
"Burglaries are more difficult to prevent than some other types of offenses, but some can still be prevented," Fey said.
Fey said students often become burglary victims because they think they are immune to such a crime on a college campus.
Students should be more aware of their surroundings and know how to protect themselves, he said.
"First of all, it is important that you lock your residence hall room every time you leave," Fey said. "Thieves go door to door to see if they can find one that is unlocked, slip in, steal and then slip out."
Fey also said students should put their name on their property, as it will be less likely to be stolen, or if stolen will be easier to return to its owner when recovered.
"You should also make sure your small pocketable items are hidden," Fey said. "Don't give others access to it."
Fey said burglaries that are reported more quickly are also more likely to be solved.
Students must make personal decisions and take action in order to protect themselves, he said.
"There's a difference between being aware of what you should do and actually taking the preventive steps," Fey said. "I hope students take action."
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Individuals who have any information about the stolen data projectors can contact detective Randy Rector of the University Police Department at 285-3363.
WHAT CAN HELP:
Bob Fey said if a burglary does occur, the burglary case is more solvable if police can answer these questions:
Solvability factors:
Was there a witness?
Was the suspect seen or known?
Was a vehicle involved?
Is there evidence of the burglary at the scene?
Were there limited or significant opportunities for the crime to be committed?
Is the stolen property traceable or identifiable?
How much time lapsed between when the burglary occurred and when it was reported?
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