A Preston drug addict has been charged with burglary following a spate of thefts from University buildings last semester.  

Preston local Atiq Mohammed Beg was arrested on November 17 after it was discovered laptops had been going missing on campus. Police identified Beg through forensic evidence and during his police interview he admitted six offences of burglary, theft and trespass.

It is believed the stolen property was used to fund his addiction to crack cocaine.

Students and staff returned to campus after the holidays to find posters on building entrances warning them to be vigilant around campus.  The posters say: “Atiq Mohammed Beg entered UCLan taking advantage of the open access. He stole property from students, lecturers and laboratories and was charged with burglary and theft offences.”

University security told Pluto we cannot re-print his picture or the poster due to “data protection.”

Security are asking students and staff to be vigilant; if anybody sees him on campus or in any University building they must contact security immediately on extension (89)2068.

Beg appeared before Preston Magistrates on November 25, and was ordered to undergo treatment for his drug addiction. He was also issued with an exclusion order by police, prohibiting him from entering any property owned by UCLan.

Beg is known to the police and according to UCLan security he has stolen from the University in the past.

Security have not said how they will prevent the possibility of similar burglaries in the future and refused to comment on the thefts.