Laptop computers, credit cards and checkbooks were among theitems stolen during a recent wave of theft in Desmond Hall.

After four thefts on Oct. 19 and an Oct. 26 burglary, SacramentoState dorm residents are locking up more frequently, as thesuspects are still at large.

“From everything I’ve heard, the doors were leftunlocked in the rooms that were burglarized,” said20-year-old Sac State junior and resident advisor Jenn Stolley.

Melissa Kohl, Desmond hall director, said that dorm residentsshould know to lock their doors.

“Before students move in, they sign a year’scontract informing potential residents of all policies andprocedures, including safety and security,” Kohl said.”We also had a mandatory meeting with all residents withinthe past three weeks informing them of the situation, and remindingthem to lock their dorm rooms.”

Students may also be unknowingly aiding the criminals by lettingthem in the building.

All residents are given an access card that allows entry intoany of the five dorms until 10 p.m. After 10 p.m. the card onlyallows access to the student’s assigned building.

“Students who are expecting guests are supposed to escorttheir visitors to their room,” Stolley said.”It’s policy because you are responsible for them incase something does happen.”

Stolley said she believes Desmond is a safe place for its 250residents.

“Resident advisors make rounds four times a night forsafety, and we have courtesy patrol that monitors the outside ofthe buildings at night as well,” Stolley said.

Kohl said students are aware of what they are supposed to do ina situation if something does happen, including a theft.

“We give our residents lots of advice, and the first thingthey should do is call campus police,” said Kohl.

Kohl said she has faith the problem will correct itself.

“We have a strong residential community here,” Kohlsaid. “I’ve had good experiences with our residents,and as a leader I need to inform them of what’s going on.Hopefully they learn from previous mistakes.”