Guitar theft reported by Charter Club

The guitar was taken on the night of Jan. 21, Knutson said.

“Given that there were club officers present in the vicinity at the time and that the crime was of a marked furtive nature, ostensibly [via] a window, we cannot be sure if it was a club member, part of the University community or a random act,” he added.

Knutson said that the guitar theft was “not the only” theft this month, but the others “pale in comparison” and therefore were not reported to the police.

“Petty theft is not unknown to the eating clubs. However, these incidents are rarely of such significant dollar value as that in question,” he explained.

Despite the recent thefts, several Charter members said that they are not concerned about the safety of their personal belongings.

“Personally, I’m not too worried about it,” Hank Song ’11 said.

Rebecca Yu ’11 also said she was not concerned.

“I feel like I’m safer there than anywhere else ... as long as everyone’s on guard and we’re aware [of] what is happening,” she said.

Knutson described the recent thefts as anomalies.

“We have very good professional security, and I can tell you that I, personally, make rounds to ensure that doors and windows are locked and that the club is secure,” he said.

The four other reported thefts this year included two laptops, valued at $2,000 and $1,230, and two wallets.

Borough Police Lieutenant Nicholas Sutter said that a detective was sent to investigate each case, though all remain open.

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“It’s unattended items, and ... it’s a crime of opportunity,” Sutter explained.

It is unclear whether the guitar was stolen by someone who was permitted to be in the club that night, Sutter noted. Police can classify the crime as breaking and entering, in addition to theft, if they can determine that the suspect was not allowed in the club.

Theft of an item valued over $200 is an indictable offense in New Jersey, which is similar to a felony in other states, Sutter added.

Knutson noted that the club is “taking steps to prevent future thefts.”

“Membership of the club should feel secure in their own home,” he said. “To that end, we are investigating possible routes towards more vigilant security.”