Security Team Apprehend Thief and Give Advice On Safety

Date posted: 18 December 2012

The University's Security Team has successfully apprehended a thief who targeted University sites over the last year. Despite this success, they are advising all members of the University community to be vigilant, and keep their possessions secure.

The spate of thefts began in November 2011 when several bags belonging to students were stolen at the Markeaton Street site, at which time a suspect was identified on CCTV.

In November this year (2012), a whole year later, Marc Meyer from the University's Security Team, was patrolling Markeaton Street when he saw a man who he thought looked familiar, and out of place.

Marc approached the man, who gave false particulars and left the building quickly. Marc later viewed the CCTV footage and was able to confirm that it was the same man who committed the 2011 thefts. There is little doubt that Marc's actions deterred the thief from committing a further theft at this time.
A few days later Security was informed of a theft at the Kedleston Road site. CCTV footage again conformed it was the same man.

Over the next few days the team was on alert for this man and when he turned up at Britannia Mill, Security team member Martin Heldreich spotted him and acted immediately.

Members of the team were guided in by control room controller Dave Bankart who also gathered further CCTV evidence. Chris Alton located the man inside the building and challenged him. Other members of the team, Pat Kennedy and Surj Shanker, also attend within a very short time ensuring the thief had no opportunity to either run away of resist. Police were called and he was subsequently arrested.

When the police searched the man he was still in possession of some of the stolen articles from Kedleston Road and also property he had just stolen from Britannia Mill. This man has now been charged with all offences.

Apart from a very nice bit of work by the Security team what can we learn from this?

Mike Flint, Deputy Security Manager, said: "Although the University of Derby is extremely safe, crime is very rare and it has a very pro-active and professional Security Team, no-one can afford to be careless with their property.

"Items such as bags, purses, mobile phones and laptops are potentially very valuable to a casual thief. Loss of irreplaceable coursework, identify theft and cancellation of bank cards are just a few of the issues you might face.

"We like our University the way it is; open friendly and welcoming and we don't intend to change it because of a few thieves. Unfortunately however that openness comes with a certain level of risk. The answer of course is to be aware, careful and responsible; don't leave your things unattended even for a short time, if you go for a coffee take them with you, and if you won't need them then please don't bring them. Your Security Team is here to help and to keep you and your property safe but we do need your assistance."

Security telephone number 01332 (59)1109
Email security@derby.ac.uk