A whiteboard with “read this” scrawled along the top and a yellow flyer taped to its surface greets University students walking into the Student Recreation Center. The flyer details a recent string of thefts in the rec center that began at the start of winter term.
During the past four weeks, 14 thefts were reported at the rec center, more than twice the number recorded for both November and December, Department of Public Safety Deputy Chief Carolyn McDermed said. The thefts have occurred in the lockers near Ulrich, Court 5, the rock wall and 3 Court Gym and in the cubbies and the men’s locker room.
The number of thefts is unlike anything rec center staff has seen before, said Bryan Haunert, associate director of facilities, operations and services at the rec center.
Since the first reported incident, at least one theft has been reported each week, with the most recent occurring Feb. 4.
“What’s different about these thefts is that locked locks are being broken into,” Haunert said. “In the past, thefts that have occurred have involved people leaving stuff unattended or not locking their locks. This is different.”
McDermed said the difference may be explained by a number of things, including a popular Internet video that provides a how-to guide on how to pop a lock with a piece of a soda can. Although there is no evidence that such a technique is being used, the lockers broken into show no sign of pry marks, she said.
“If I was going to go work out at the gym, I’d buy a lock with a key,” McDermed said. “People should try everything they can to reduce their risk of being a victim. Using a lock with a key is an easy step to take.”
Haunert said the rec center is working closely with DPS to eliminate or at least minimize the thefts. But while the issue remains unresolved, there are two strategies students can employ to keep their possessions safe.
“First, look out for one another as a community. If you see anything suspicious, report it to a staff member or to DPS,” Haunert said. “Second, keep your valuables at home. Don’t bring them to the gym.”
University sophomore Tim West said he’s disappointed theft has gotten to such an extreme point.
“There’s now zero trust here,” said West, who now leaves his wallet in his car while working out. “I have to treat everyone as a suspect. I don’t want to judge people, but anyone could steal.”
However, not all students are taking extra precautions. Titus Tomlinson, a second-year University graduate student, said he isn’t sure how people were getting into lockers, but he’s not planning to do anything differently.
“I noticed on the posters that all the thefts have occurred in the men’s locker room, so I guess it’s a guy, right?” Tomlinson said.
Haunert said no information has been released about the identity or identities of those involved, but the rec center is working on a number of anti-theft strategies to address the problem. It is unlikely one person alone is involved because of the variety in location and time of the thefts, McDermed said.
“We would really like more people to report when a theft occurs or if they notice anything,” McDermed said. “The more eyes and ears we have out there, the more information we have to solve this problem.”
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