Police continue to search for the people responsible for the theft of four plasma televisions from the Frances Searle Building.
The televisions, which weigh 110 pounds each, were stolen from the building between 9 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 8:40 am. on Oct. 9, said Lt. Nick Parashis of University Police. Estimates place the cost of the televisions around $24,000.
The televisions all were in the same room on the first floor of the building and had to be broken from the mounts where they were bolted, Parashis said.
Due to the weight and number of televisions, police said they think that more than one person may have been involved.
“You would speculate that one person wouldn’t have been able to do that by themselves,” Parashis said. “It’s not something that can be put in someone’s backpack.”
It is not known how the thieves entered the building, but police think the doors to the building may have been unlocked, Parashis said.
Parashis would not comment on whether or not the theft was the work of someone affiliated with Northwestern, but he said people who were in the building when the televisions were stolen are being questioned.
It also is unknown how the thieves transported the televisions out of and away from the building.
“Common sense would say they didn’t walk around campus with four 110 pound TVs, so I can only assume they used a car,” Parashis said.
Karl Simmons, a lecturer who teaches in the classroom where the televisions were stolen, said he was told the university has ordered replacement equipment. He said the theft of the televisions has not disrupted his class.
“It was a surprise the first day but nothing more than that,” Simmons said. “I just adapted.”
Kate Bolgrien, assistant to School of Communication Dean Barbara O’Keefe, said the the school is not conducting its own investigation. All matters pertaining to the theft are being referred to UP, she said.
Plasma televisions are known to have sharper, clearer images compared to non-plasma televisions.
These televisions use panels made of thousands of cells filled with a mixture of gases — including plasma. A combination of these gases and ultraviolet light create the image on the screen.
Three plasma televisions were installed recently at the new McCormick Tribune Center on South Campus that opened at the beginning of this school year.
Parashis said UP has not increased patrols in any specific area. He did say that the theft of the televisions has “increased awareness” about things being taken from university buildings at night or outside of normal business hours.
The Daily’s Matthew DeFour contributed to this report.
