Newspapers don't often pose a fire hazard -- unless you get a stack of them in an all-male dormitory that houses 18- and 19-year-old students, some of whom will do anything for a laugh.

In response to an incident in which an unknown person or people set a stack of newspapers on fire in an elevator, Penn State University Police have stepped up their police presence in East Halls, specifically around Pinchot Hall, where the fire occurred.

But it is unlikely that the increased police presence will actually be effective in deterring any crime.

While it is a good message to send to students, that arson and other criminal behavior won't be tolerated, this despicable act was probably an isolated drunken prank in Pinchot Hall. It is unlikely that it will happen again in the exact same area.

If someone is intent on committing this crime again, they could very easily do so in an area away from Pinchot Hall, either in another area of East Halls or another residence area, where police presence is minimal.

While the idea is great, the execution is not. Several Pinchot Hall residents said they did not even notice an increase in patrols over this past weekend. If they did not notice, the police are not deterring anyone.

Pinchot Hall residents also said the newspaper stands on the first floor of the building were removed from the hall Friday afternoon.

But removing the newspaper stands is just a reaction to this specific crime and only shows the university will make alterations to cater to these criminals rather than actively investigating the case and trying to bring justice to those responsible.

Allocating more time and resources to solving this crime would send a clear message to students and would probably do more for the university than simply adding a few officers to patrol East Halls.