The presence of a neighbourhood police van on corner of Clare Market last week has raised concerns about security on campus.
An LSE spokesman stated: “The van was there as part of a continuing operation by the neighbourhood police team to deter and prevent bike thefts. Since the start of term there have been seven bicycle thefts, almost all from Westminster borough cycle racks in this area, and LSE security are very keen to work with police to try and reduce this crime.”
Although the official statistics show that crime in the August-September period this year was lower than the same period last year, the estimated cash losses arising from personal property has gone up from £7,017 to £10,503.
The Beaver was also informed that two laptops were stolen on campus last Thursday and Friday, respectively from the computer room C120 and the SU venue, the Three Tuns.
One of the students who had their laptop stolen stated: “It felt like a part of me had been taken. I cannot believe that these people would target a SU, when a student’s life work could be on their laptop.”
Furthermore, according to the statistics, the following buildings have had increased incidences of theft from the same period last year: Columbia House, Garrick, New Academic Building, Kings’ Chambers and the Library.
LSESU Treasurer George Wetz commented: “Having an open campus in the centre of London naturally means that LSE students should take extra care of their belongings. We are sorry to hear that students have been the victims of theft over the past few weeks. The police have reacted to reports of increased crime in the area and are working to deter thieves from targeting LSE students.”