Students may not think the faltering U.S. economy affects them – at least until their personal belongings go missing.

With the rising prices of gas, laptops and food, thieves see students’ items as potential targets.

“It is now the worst time to be a victim of theft,” said University Police Lt. Lisa Boone “Chances are if your property is stolen, it will not be recovered.”

In the last three months, there have been 59 theft-related incidents on the campus, with 36 cases of those reported during the month of April. Though summer is not a heavy time for thefts, the fall semester is the worst time since more people are on campus.

Laptops are stolen the most on campus, but anything left unattended is at risk.

“In a college environment, students tend to be not aware,” Boone said. “Folks don’t make a conscious decision.”

She added students sometimes don’t realize the University is an open campus through which anyone can pass.

Often people in the Student Learning Center get up and take a break, leaving their belongings unattended. The rule of thumb is people should not leave their personal items unattended, even if that means taking laptops on bathroom breaks, Boone said.

But students should also make their items distinct and keep records of serial numbers in case something does happen, police suggest.

“Security is never convenient,” Boone said.