Beta break-in

Ryan Marx

Beta break-in
Police seek suspect in vandalism incident
by Ryan MarxThe Beta Theta Pi House (712 E. John St.) was broken into and vandalized over Winter Break. Lawrence security personnel discovered the break in on Dec. 24 while on regular rounds.
According to Beta chapter president Bill Haas, the vandal or vandals broke a basement kitchen window and likely entered there. Once in the house, they threw various food products throughout the house, broke a number of windows, as well as a glass display case. They also poured liquid cleaning solution over the house’s leather couches.
As with all university housing, the fraternity houses do not have electronic security systems and rely on standard door locks and regular security checks.
Security performs 24-hour checks of all campus buildings throughout all vacations.
Haas puts initial estimates for repairing the damage in the $6,000-9,000 range. It is currently unclear who will cover the cost of the damages and cleanup.
Most of the damage was confined to common space in the house, but the vandals entered one student’s room and vandalized it. Haas would not comment on the nature of that damage.
According to Haas, there is no sign of forced entry, so how the perpetrator or perpetrators entered the student’s room is still unknown.
Also, a computer monitor stored in the attic was damaged, suggesting the vandal or vandals entered every level of the house.
It appears that this vandalism is a random incident, as there is no evidence to suggest that the Betas were deliberately targeted.
“We’re saddened that such an event could happen at Lawrence,” said Haas.
According to Dean of Students Nancy Truesdell, there are no suspects at this time and the police investigation is ongoing.
Haas added, “We intend to prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”