Spring Break
Stolen flat-panel TVs to be replaced
Elyssa Brogdon
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: News
Over spring break three flat-panel televisions were stolen from the University Center, and now UMKC is trying to replace them.
Between 5 p.m. March 22 and 8 a.m. March 24, the three flat-panel televisions that surrounded Freshën's Smoothie Company in the University Center cafeteria went missing.
According to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services Paris Saunders, the now stolen televisions were placed in the cafeteria as part of the dining area renovation project. The University Center's capital project fund bought the televisions for $9,756, or $3,252 each, according to Saunders.
"The process to replace the screens has begun," Saunders said in an e-mail. "We're working closely with Risk Management, but I don't have an exact date at this time. … They will be replaced with [a] current model of the same type of screen."
Saunders said the replacement flat screen televisions will cost $6,930 total, $2,310 each, and asset insurance will pay for the replacements.
According to UMKC Police Department Interim Chief Mike Bongartz, these aren't the first flat screens to be taken.
"The [University] Center had one taken a while back," Bongartz said. "That building has been the isolated spot, and I know one other time it has occurred there. There may be others, but recently that is the only building where a TV has been stolen out of."
Saunders said security for the televisions included commercial grade cabling, bolts and locked wall mounts.
According to UMKC Officer Boyd Breedlove's police report, the locks securing the televisions were cut by an unknown tool and were lying on the floor in front of the mounts.
The University is trying to take an active role in protecting the televisions by looking at a security system, according to Saunders.
"…[W]e've engaged Securitas Security Systems to assist in developing revised security system for the facility and its assets," Saunders said. "…Security costs are part of the University Center's operational budget. [And] [d]epending on the method of choice, the costs vary."
The Securitas Security Systems' USA Web site, www.securitassystem.us, outlines the services offered by their company:
"Securitas Systems' expertise in access control, video surveillance, and alarms is extensive. We work closely with IT professionals within our customer's organiziations to ensure maximum use and productivity of communication, data storage, and data security."
Jody Jeffries, Director of University Center, will be in charge of administering the protection said Saunders.
Bongartz said the case of the three stolen flat-screen televisions is still open and is being investigated. Anyone with information about the stolen TVs should call UMKC police at (816) 235-1515.
ebrogdon@unews.com
Between 5 p.m. March 22 and 8 a.m. March 24, the three flat-panel televisions that surrounded Freshën's Smoothie Company in the University Center cafeteria went missing.
According to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services Paris Saunders, the now stolen televisions were placed in the cafeteria as part of the dining area renovation project. The University Center's capital project fund bought the televisions for $9,756, or $3,252 each, according to Saunders.
"The process to replace the screens has begun," Saunders said in an e-mail. "We're working closely with Risk Management, but I don't have an exact date at this time. … They will be replaced with [a] current model of the same type of screen."
Saunders said the replacement flat screen televisions will cost $6,930 total, $2,310 each, and asset insurance will pay for the replacements.
According to UMKC Police Department Interim Chief Mike Bongartz, these aren't the first flat screens to be taken.
"The [University] Center had one taken a while back," Bongartz said. "That building has been the isolated spot, and I know one other time it has occurred there. There may be others, but recently that is the only building where a TV has been stolen out of."
Saunders said security for the televisions included commercial grade cabling, bolts and locked wall mounts.
According to UMKC Officer Boyd Breedlove's police report, the locks securing the televisions were cut by an unknown tool and were lying on the floor in front of the mounts.
The University is trying to take an active role in protecting the televisions by looking at a security system, according to Saunders.
"…[W]e've engaged Securitas Security Systems to assist in developing revised security system for the facility and its assets," Saunders said. "…Security costs are part of the University Center's operational budget. [And] [d]epending on the method of choice, the costs vary."
The Securitas Security Systems' USA Web site, www.securitassystem.us, outlines the services offered by their company:
"Securitas Systems' expertise in access control, video surveillance, and alarms is extensive. We work closely with IT professionals within our customer's organiziations to ensure maximum use and productivity of communication, data storage, and data security."
Jody Jeffries, Director of University Center, will be in charge of administering the protection said Saunders.
Bongartz said the case of the three stolen flat-screen televisions is still open and is being investigated. Anyone with information about the stolen TVs should call UMKC police at (816) 235-1515.
ebrogdon@unews.com
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