Leader
Thefts in Evelyn Gardens
We are not a lucky demographic. Both students and Londoners are more likely to be victims of crime than the population as a whole. The sheer fluidity of life in halls means security will never be as tight as we would like. Students in halls need to take a more pro-active approach to safeguarding their home.
If someone tries to follow you into halls, don't let them - challenge them. If someone rings the doorbell and says `I'm here to see Dave', don't just go `Uh, ok, then'. Even if they get lucky and pick a weird name, like Rupert, stick on the side of caution.
The "famous thief " mentioned by Adrian Medina is well known to College security and the police. Ceri Davies, Head of Security, told us that he has been difficult to apprehend as he is without a fixed abode.
Apportioning blame in an environment such as halls is extremely difficult. In a situation like this, it is often easy to blame cleaners and security staff as they have extra powers of access. But, to do so without conclusive evidence is ill advised and will cause distress to innocent members of staff.
College have assured Felix that any allegations against cleaning or security staff will be dealt with "in the same way as any crime reported. All suspects will be interviewed and the police will be informed. Any specific allegations would be thoroughly investigated and if there is evidence of a crime being committed then a police prosecution would follow."
What's troubling us at Felix most is how anyone could be stupid enough to have thousands of pounds lying around their room. That sort of money is just a temptation too strong to ignore.
Library: 24/7 & redevelopment
Last year, the library was one of the most contentious issues covered by Felix. The conditions, frankly, were disgusting and definitely not conducive to effective study. If 24/7 is to work successfully this year, students must respect the facility and each other. If you see anyone brushing their teeth or washing cabbage in the toilet take a picture and we will name and shame them in Felix.
Some students have been sent emails by their senior tutors telling them to "get a good nights rest before exams". Doesn't having the library open 24/7 contradict this good advice?
Hopefully, once the redevelopment has been completed, the library will be a more pleasant place to study and we will finally be assured of finding a spare place to study.
We want to hear your views on these issues, please email felix@imperial.ac.uk
