UBC thefts prompt warning to student residents

Students at the University of British Columbia are being asked to be extra careful about who they let into the residence buildings following a string of thefts at Gage Residence.

It's believed the thief is following students inside and then going into unlocked rooms and stealing laptops, wallets, and phones, according to UBC spokesman Andrew Parr.

About 15 incidents have been reported in the past few weeks, but it remains unclear if the same person is behind all the thefts. There are also reports of needles and drug paraphernalia being found.

"We don't know if it's connected, one can jump to conclusions, but we don't know if its connected," said Parr.

The RCMP is also investigating, security on campus has been heightened and students are being asked to be on alert.

"Don't let tailgaters you don't know into the building. Always lock your door, that includes if you're just going across the hall to visit a friend or to the bathroom," said Parr.

"If you're going to be away for a period of time, let your roommates know so they know there's an absence there."