BERKELEY — University of California Police Department, Berkeley, has released a photo of a person suspected of entering multiple campus buildings on Wednesday afternoon and stealing several unattended electronic items, officials said Thursday.
Two windows, several buildings and a photo released
According to the UCPD, the suspect moved through Chou Hall, Cheit Hall and the Haas School of Business during a narrow window between 2:09 and 2:21 p.m. Officers said multiple unattended electronics were taken before officers arrived on scene.
- Locations: Chou Hall; Cheit Hall; Haas School of Business
- Time frame: 2:09–2:21 p.m. Wednesday
- Stolen items: multiple unattended electronics (UCPD)
- Photo description: blue hat, checkered shirt, blue jeans and a face mask
Campus police released a photo Thursday that they say shows the person suspected in the thefts. In the image the individual appears to be wearing a blue hat, a checkered shirt, blue jeans and a face mask. UCPD asked anyone with information about the person or the incidents to call 510-642-6760.
Earlier incident at Jacobs Hall
Also on Wednesday, authorities said an unrelated break-in was reported at Jacobs Hall, where a suspect tried to take electronics but was interrupted by an employee. That suspect reportedly fled the area on a scooter after being startled, according to the police account.
Police did not say whether the Jacobs Hall incident is connected to the burglaries at Chou, Cheit and Haas.
UCPD’s release did not assert a link between the Jacobs Hall attempted theft and the subsequent burglaries, but the proximity in time and targets — electronics left unattended in campus buildings — has heightened concern among students and staff about securing devices in shared spaces.
Campus impact and precautions
Incidents of theft on campus reverberate beyond the immediate property loss. Unattended laptops and phones often contain research, classwork, personal information and access credentials that can create broader security and privacy risks for owners and the university. The UCPD’s public appeal underscores the role of the campus community in both prevention and investigation.
Campus security experts and police routinely advise that students and faculty:
- Never leave electronics unattended in classrooms, libraries or common areas.
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight when not in use.
- Report suspicious behavior immediately to UCPD via the campus non-emergency line or 510-642-6760.
| Incident | Location | Time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglaries | Chou Hall; Cheit Hall; Haas School of Business | 2:09–2:21 p.m., Wednesday | Multiple unattended electronics reported stolen; suspect photo released |
| Attempted burglary | Jacobs Hall | Hours earlier, Wednesday | Suspect startled by employee; fled on scooter; attempted theft |
UCPD investigators are canvassing campus video footage and seeking tips from anyone who may have seen the person pictured or other suspicious activity on Wednesday afternoon. Students and staff who carry essential research or class files on devices were urged to ensure backups and to enable device-level security such as encryption and remote-wipe where available.
The string of incidents comes as UC Berkeley navigates a large, open campus with high pedestrian traffic, a mix of academic and administrative buildings, and numerous communal study areas — conditions that can create opportunities for quick thefts when devices are left unattended. The UCPD statement closed with a reminder that community reporting remains a core tool in solving property crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the University of California Police Department, Berkeley, at 510-642-6760.
