Laptop Thefts At Concordia

Investigation Underway To Identify Suspect

NewsClaire Loewen — Published May 5, 2016

Most on-campus thefts of personal items at Concordia happen in lobbies, restaurants and libraries, according to Concordia media representative Chris Mota.

The investigation began when the string of thefts started in October 2015, according to Societe de Police de la Ville Montreal media representative Abdullah Enmar.

“We met the victims of the thefts, we searched the locations at the university. We took a step further, we released the photo of the suspect,” Enmar said of the SPVM investigation. “We’re making links between the events.”

Police are searching for a white man aged between 25 to 30 years old, possibly of North African descent. He has a beard and moustache, and was sporting a baseball cap during the robbery.

These alleged victims told police their bags were stolen with laptops still inside. Some had left their bags unguarded, while others claim they were close to the items when they were robbed.

Laptop theft isn’t a new problem for the university. Concordia student Arnaud Ortiz had his laptop stolen from his bag in winter of 2014 in Concordia’s Library Building Cafe, while he was eating dinner around 9 p.m.

“There was a guy sitting behind us and we didn’t pay attention to him,” Ortiz said. “When I got up my bag was open, my laptop was missing, and the guy was gone.”

Ortiz added that he was with three friends, and that it happened so discreetly that they didn’t notice.

Further, Ortiz said Concordia security “weren’t very helpful” in the investigation that followed. He said this because they would not let Ortiz view the footage of the robbery, although it is illegal to share surveillance footage with anyone because it’s a breach of privacy.

Despite being unable to comment on the ongoing investigation, Mota said that in situations of theft in public institutions, prevention is key.

“Usually at the beginning of the academic year we do an information campaign to remind people about some of the do’s and don’t’s, how to protect your property, etcetera,” Mota said. “It’s constant education.”

When asked how Concordia would deal with this theft problem, Mota continued to stress the importance of prevention, without additional information on how the university would act on the situation at hand.

Mota, Enmar and Ortiz all advised students to keep their laptops and bags within sight.

“Keep [your laptop] on you. Even if it’s on you, you have to be careful at all times,” Ortiz added. “You’re never too safe.”