Three banners publicizing prominent campus organizations were stolen from the railings of the third floor walkway in the Shapiro Campus Center last week, according to administration and public safety officials. The banners belonged to the Brandeis Student Union, BTV and WBRS. Edward Callahan, director of public safety, said that a report was filed with him Monday at 11 p.m. Callahan said that after a preliminary investigation, officials concluded that the banners must have been taken between 4 and 9 p.m. They will be examining eight hours of security tape and talking to people who might have seen something happen. Each banner was worth at least $100.

"We are trying to interact with the building manager and people who might have been in the building. It is hard to believe someone didn't see this," Callahan said.

Callahan also concluded that because ropes were actually cut to remove the banners, this was not done as a prank.

"This was a malicious act that some took the time to do," Callahan said.

Callahan also stressed that there are a lot of security enhancements in Shapiro Campus Center, especially in light of the plasma television theft.

He also added that students, faculty and the administration can do more to keep Shapiro a safe and secure place by utilizing card access, not propping open doors and not leaving personal property unattended.

Callahan also emphasized that safety and security is a very high priority at Brandeis.

"The University administration spends a lot of money on safety and security in our community," he said.

Louise Au Yeung '05, general manager of WBRS, said that she was not at the studio at the time of the theft but was notified by Ian Rifkin '04, WBRS program director, of the incident. She added that Music Director Sheryl Oppenheim '04 filed a report with campus police. Student Union President Josh Brandfon '05 also filed a report. Au Yeung believes that the theft was most likely a prank.

"I have no idea who they were targeting," Au Yeung said.

Au Yeung said she has been in constant communication between Brandfon, Callahan, and Assistant Dean of Student Life Alwina Bennett to help further the investigation.

"Myself and Ian are open to helping out in the investigation in any way," Au Yeung said.

She said if the banner isn't found within a few weeks to a month they would consider replacing it. Au Yeung also added that she still feels that the facilities and equipment in the WBRS studio are very safe and secure.

"Any help anyone can provide would be appreciated," Au Yeung said.

Dean of Student Life Rick Sawyer agrees with Callahan that the acts were malicious but would not go as far as connecting them to any previous actions or events.

Sawyer also agrees with Callahan in that Shapiro Campus Center is quite secure and that they encourage organizations to lock their doors to their offices when they leave. They also tell students not to leave their personal belongings unattended when they are in the library or lounge areas.