Shocked second year has laptop snatched from library

She left her desk for only two minutes

national

An unlucky second year had her laptop stolen from the library when she stepped away from her desk for two minutes.

Kirsty Wraith’s laptop was snatched from study carrel 01.08 while she took a two minute revision break to speak to her friend in the next carrel.

Baffled by the crime, she said: “When I saw it wasn’t on the table it took me a second to register what had happened and then I panicked.

“When I realised it was definitely gone my heart sank.”

The library staff made several announcements over the tannoy but have been unable to track the location of the laptop.

Gone in 120 seconds: Kirsty left her laptop unattended for just two minutes

Staff at the front desk said: “There’s not much we can do. Whoever has it turned it off straight away so we can’t use Find My Phone to track it.”

Kirsty even offered her Sunday Big Weekend ticket as a reward for the return of her beloved laptop but that wasn’t enough to tempt the thief to step forwards.

She has since reported the incident to the police.

The psychology student said: “I have two pieces of coursework due on June 2 that weren’t backed up.”

Posting on the Spotted UEA Library Facebook page, Kirsty warned other library dwellers to be careful about leaving their belongings in the library.

She wrote: “Please let this be a warning to you guys too, not to leave your valuables unattended.

“I was gone for not even two minutes. It is rare but it does happen, the police were not surprised at all.”

Happier times: Kirsty (left) is faced with the prospect of having to re-do her coursework

However library staff have downplayed the incident as a one-off. A staff member said: “It literally never happens. There are CCTV cameras near all exits.”

Second year lawyer Louisa Baldwin was in the library at the time of the announcement.

She said: “I was really shocked when I first heard the announcement. I usually leave my stuff in the library if I want to quickly pop to the shop but I don’t think I’ll be doing that anymore. It’s not safe.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kirsty’s laptop should contact the University Security Lodge.