The University of Idaho Argonaut

A female custodial employee of the University of Idaho was charged with burglary and the attempted possession of a controlled substance as a result of an undercover operation conducted by the Moscow Police Department.

The individual was discovered taking items from a locked office in the Kibbie Dome on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17. She was not arrested but will be summoned into court to face the charges at a later date.
The individual also admitted to prior thefts of other controlled substances taken from the Kibbie Dome earlier this semester. A probable cause affidavit will be filed at the Latah County Courthouse next week disclosing the suspect’s name and further details of the investigation.

This year the Kibbie Dome has experienced an abundance of thefts, ranging from stolen laptops and electronics to missing medications. The Moscow Police Department is currently investigating several property thefts that occurred in the Kibbie Dome this semester, with no leads to report.  

So far in 2006, nine reports of theft in the Kibbie Dome have been filed as compared to only three reports of theft in the facility filed in 2005.
“It’s a concern for everybody in the department,” UI Athletics Director Rob Spear said. “We need to have it stop.”
Throughout the semester, items have been taken from a variety of places, Spear said, including locker rooms and locked offices.  

The athletics department has been working with the police since the summer in an effort to end the crimes.  
 “It’s in the hands of the Moscow Police Department now,” said Becky Paull, assistant athletic director  for media relations of the athletics department.
While the Moscow Police are investigating the other crimes, Lt. Paul Kwiatkowski commended the campus and detective divisions of the Moscow PD on their success in the undercover operation.

“They really did an excellent job,” he said.
Kwiatkowski advised those who work or frequent the Kibbie Dome, as well as everyone on campus, to protect themselves against theft by keeping valuables locked up or at home. He also suggested writing down serial numbers of expensive objects, like laptops or iPods, which are very useful in recovering the item if it is taken.

Despite the increase, Spear is optimistic that the crimes in the Dome will decline: “In cooperation with the Moscow Police Department, we will resolve this issue over time. I’m confident of that.”