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-Graphic by Jason Harville |
Close to $6,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the Milligan College science building over the weekend.
“There were at least two incidents,” said Richard Lura, professor of chemistry and chair of scientific learning, “[we think] one on Saturday morning and the other on Sunday morning.”
The building was not broken into, however; both incidences took place when the building was already unlocked.
The Elizabethton police report states that the stolen items include five micrikits, four sets of balancing scales, a condenser and a large yellow trashcan, all stolen from the first and second floor chemistry labs.
Senior chemistry major Nathan Henry said none of the chemicals in the locked storage rooms or more expensive equipment was taken. Milligan will file an insurance claim soon, according to Lura.
Henry discovered items were missing on Saturday around noon when he went to the lab to dry out and process chemicals for class.
“In both instances, cabinets and drawers were opened, equipment tossed around or missing, and the security cables that held down the balances were cut or broken,” he said.
Unsure of whom to contact first, Henry tried to locate a faculty directory. He located associate professor of accounting Bob Mahan in his office, who in turn called Leonard Beattie, director of the physical plant.
On Saturday, Lura and his wife came to campus to leave lab setup instructions for a lab assistant. He discovered Beattie's truck at the science building and learned of the incident. Beattie notified the Elizabethton Police Department.
On Sunday, Henry and sophomore Justin Peyton discovered the second theft and immediately called Lura.
Lura said that it is generally suspected that whoever stole this equipment was preparing a drug lab, taking equipment that might be used to “make…or separate and purify materials.”
“It was very targeted,” said Lura. “They cut cables, which meant they had to bring a bolt cutter. They took certain types of balances [and] the glassware that was taken was very selective as well. If they were just after things to sell, there were other things they could have taken, and they didn’t. If they were after money, they would steal indiscriminately.”
Beattie said they are unsure whether the burglar was affiliated with the college.
At this time, the science building is being locked everyday at 5 p.m. until the administration reaches a decision regarding future security measures.
“Obviously we’re going to have to come up with a compromise,” said Lura, “but it will be a little inconvenient for everyone. That will be decided by the administration.”
A white Ford Aerostar van, used by Milligan College security, was reported missing on Sunday afternoon. According to the police report, the keys were not missing and there was no sign of glass breakage where the van had been parked. However, it is unclear whether these incidents are related.