Student arrested in police sting
OU Police arrested a student during a sting operation organized in response to the thefts of several electronic devices at Huston Huffman Center, according to OU Police reports.
Police reports stated the items stolen at Huston Huffman Center this semester include: iPhones, iPods, cell phones and Blackberry cell phones.
These items were stolen in the women’s locker room and near the basketball courts, the reports stated.
These thefts are a part of four incidents of theft reported on campus in January, and at least three additional incidents of theft reported in February, according to police reports.
In a response to the cell phone theft incidents, OUPD conducted a “bait” phone sting operation Feb. 17 at the Huston Huffman Center, Officer Christopher Patison said in a police report.
“OUPD placed the bait phone and conducted surveillance of the phone,” Patison said.
A male student took the phone and then left Huston Huffman Center with it, according to police reports.
The student was arrested and charged with petty larceny and concealing stolen property, Patison said.
The use of a bait phone is an effective means to combat thefts and is intended to reduce the number of larcenies on campus, Lt. Bruce Chan, OUPD spokesman, said by e-mail.
Andrew Dozier, biological chemistry senior, said he is concerned someone might steal his cell phone when he comes to Huston Huffman Center.
“That’s why I leave it in my car,” he said. “I don’t want to give someone the opportunity to steal it.”
Dozier said he has never had anything of his stolen while he was at Huston Huffman. But he said he is sure theft occurs.
“People leave things all around,” he said.
Montana Story, University College freshman, said he often sees people leaving their things unattended.
Story said he is concerned about his belongings being stolen when he comes to the center.
When working out, he said, he purchases a daily locker to keep his belongings safe.
Officials with the Huston Huffman Center did not return phone calls or e-mail messages regarding this story.
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