Unidentified man steals employee's credit cards in Robertson Hall theft

An unidentified man entered 435 Robertson Hall, Tuesday, and stole credit cards from the office of Ellen Kemp, the acting assistant dean of information technology, authorities said.

Borough Police would not disclose the identity of the victim, except to say it was a female employee.

The man went into the room and took two credit cards from a woman's purse, said Borough Police Capt. Anthony Federico.

As the thief was leaving, the woman confronted him. However, he ran down a flight of stairs, Federico said. The woman contacted Public Safety, but they were unable to detain the man.

The suspect is described as approximately 25 years old and 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Borough Police and Public Safety are investigating.

"Officials are talking to people in the vicinity, and they are asking anyone who knows information to call their investigation unit at 8-3705," said Lauren Robinson-Brown '85, University communications director.

Despite efforts on both fronts, a quick arrest appears unlikely, Federico said.

"We did not get a good description of the man, so the investigation does not look very promising. But it is being pursued," he said.

To prevent further burglaries, Public Safety plans to initiate preventative measures throughout campus.

"We will issue new alerts, particularly to women, to not leave their wallets unattended especially at their desks, drawers and even filing cabinets," Robinson-Brown said.