The Journal

Issue date: 2/23/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Lanz Christian Banes Computers and equipment have been stolen from the construction site where the new residence halls are being built.

With construction for Webster University's new residential housing on campus well underway, a string of thefts and vandalism has disturbed the Paric Corporation construction site and led to three arrests.

Of the three males arrested in the case, no official charges have yet been filed, said Detective Kelly Molkenbur of the Webster Groves Police Department.

Molkenbur said she has a subpoena to go to court in order to file charges against one of the suspects March 1.

"I believe there are more than these three guys we're looking at because there have been other incidents," Molkenbur said.

Molkenbur said computer equipment was taken from the site. Webster Director of Facility Planning David Stone said small hand tools have also been stolen. According to the public safety crime log, tools were taken on at least three separate occasions. Also removed from the site were a computer, digital camera and copper piping. Another incident involved broken windows at the site.

"Thefts from job sites are not uncommon, but this is the first time on campus that I'm aware of," Stone said.

Paric has worked for Webster before. Previous campus projects involving Paric include the Loretto-Hilton Center, the Webster Village Apartments and Emerson Library.

"The contractors are responsible to make sure the site is secure," Stone said. "The university is not responsible for it, nor is our insurance."

The new residence halls are expected to open for the start of the fall 2006 semester.

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