The Johns Hopkins University has endured persistent problems with vandalism in recent years, including the destruction and theft of school property.
One of the most popular targets has been the carry-alls, used by University personnel.
Similar in appearance to a small pickup truck, a carry-all is a vehicle designed to travel the walkways on campus.
Carry-alls are used by University staff for transporting equipment, supplies and materials and allow personnel to traverse the campus quickly in case of emergencies.
According to Hopkins Security Investigator Dennis Rosemary, the number of carry-all thefts has decreased considerably since 2001.
Rosemary attributes this to the addition of heavy chains to help lock each vehicle.
Despite this development, he said vandalism remains a costly problem.
A recent incident occurred July 18, when vandals set fire to a carry-all located on the south side of the Wyman Park Shop Building. In addition to destroying the carry-all, a grounds shop truck was damaged due to the intense heat.
The Baltimore Fire Department managed to put out the fire before it caused further damage. Other incidents include a stolen carry-all which Hopkins security recovered on N. Calvert St. on Sept. 1.
These incidents of vandalism have caused a strain on Hopkins personnel and put a hamper on the budgets of departments that utilize the vehicles.
According to Assistant Manager of the Custodial Department James Rucker, "It is tremendous on the budget. When they damage the vehicle they put them out of commission for time for repair.
The cost factor takes away from having other items gotten for rendering services to our clients. It has a very large impact on our budget, it also affects if we want to do something for our employees for incentive or motivation the cost and the funds are no longer there because of repairing and replacing the carry-alls."
Other campus vandalism incidents unrelated to carry-alls involve the theft of tables and chairs.
"We have students that find themselves utilizing our eight ft. and six ft. tables and folding chairs for furnishing in their rooms, dormitories or their fraternity houses," said Rucker.
"This is a costly fact because they do not realize that some of these items are from a rental service which means that we have to replace them at cost, market value."
The thefts have caused a hindrance in the ability of Hopkins students to complete their duties.
"It prevents others from having these tables and chairs to be used when they need them for their events. May it be for fun, business, entertainment, educational events [seminars, lectures, displays]. When they do these things they are being selfish and not thinking of others," said Rucker
Other such incidents of student mischief include an incident in Wolman Hall Aug. 30 where washing machines were overturned in a laundry room and fire extinguishers were released in the three elevator lobbies.
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