JUST Got Robbed in Sleep :(

[StageLeft]

pcaddict I know what thats like. Some people in dorms can be a pain in the butt. My brother had his room open all last year with $3k computer and other gear. I warned him...but you know how little advice younger brothers take. Finally when somebody poured a cup of water over his mouse and keyboard for fun (why?) he started locking it. Of course people use credit cards to "break into" his room and play his computer still. Such inconsideration. I used to have a friend who would never knock on my door - he'd actually run in like kramer on seinfeld. Also like on seinfeld one time I had it locked and you could hear him bang into the door..then he knocked. Finally he caught me changing one time and started knocking first. Damn!

 

[Doggiedog]

It's bad enough when people steal clothes out of your laundry but going into someone else's room and taking stuff is low.

Don't worry though. At least you're getting a college education. I would probably be comforted by the thought that someone like that will eventually be tossed in jail and end up a loser in life.

 

[blurredvision]

I have a friend who is an RA at a dorm for EKU, and he would leave his door unlocked ALL the time, when taking a shower, going to classes, and even when staying the night over at my house getting drunk over the weekend. I told him and told him to lock it, but he wouldn't listen, and said he trusted everyone on his floor. Well, not too long afterward, someone had stolen his cordless phone and answering machine. Luckily, that's about all he had worth stealing in his room, but thereafter, he started locking his door.

 

[CinderElmo]

If you are living in a high risk area for god's sake engrave your name/vital stats on your valuables so that if they do get stolen you might get lucky and be able to ID them at the local pawn shop.

Also check E-beigh for any high dollar stuff they stole.

Also, if they do try to use your CC online, it should be easy to backtrace their IP address and nab em.

Good luck.

 

[Elbryn]

Best way to stop an annoying person from coming in and using your computer? throw linux on it. Most people wont know they're heads from their rears when faced with linux. That or switch over to NT or 2k and keep the login info to yourself. Happened to a suitemate in the dorms. Sophomore year, 7 of 8 stayed and we got stuck with a wannabe jock that got stuck in our dorm because he had potential i guess. Started using the guy's computer exclusively to hit on women online and get pictures of "nubian princesses" in his words. He ended up tossing linux on there. We also lost our playstation and all the games that we shared in the suite room. We all suspected it was him but shortly thereafter he transferred somewhere else..

 

[Cable God]

that sux man...... sorry to hear that

 

[jcballer1]

see if the university gave you any kind of insurance against theft (esp. since you locked up and everything---it wasnt negligence on your part or anything)

good luck.
sorry, bro

 

[raptor13]

Here is a fantastic way to make a cheap security system that will work (I did this for my brother in October):

You say you have a computer, so you're already most of the way done. Buy a Logitech Webcam. Get it all setup. Then, you can set the webcam to monitor the door for motion. If the door moves, you can have the software set to blare music or some such alarming sound. Not only will you wake up, but whoever just opened the door is going to piss themselves. Trust me, this is a great idea and IT WORKS! I tried it on my brother. Ha!


Sorry about your stuff too, man. That really, truly does suck.


EDIT: I forgot to mention that the whole thing works better if there's at least a little ambient light in the room. If it's pitch black, I have no idea how it would work since the camera does have to be able to "see" the door. Also, you obviously have to leave your computer on overnight but you may already do that.

 

[Ladi]

If you haven't already, call housing and have your locks replaced and request deadbolts.

~Ladi

 

[Chooie]

I know what you're going through, I had my 4 month old Thinkpad stolen from my dorm room my freshman year. Same drill, campus police come, write their pathetic report, and leave. Meanwhile, I'm out $2500 because homeowners insurance won't cover it, and the school doesn't give a crap. Shortly after, I transfered out... haven't been back since.