Policing to curb theft at facility

Students who visit Rec Hall to play sports, work out or go to class may also find themselves involved in something they didn't count on -- theft.

Since the beginning of this semester, Rec Hall has been the site of several criminal incidents and thefts resulting in a loss of more than $1,500 worth of property.

Dwight Smith, supervisor of University Police Services, said University police and the Rec Hall staff are trying to find new ways to prevent the incidents from happening, such as implementing a security system and emergency phones as well as having more police in the area.

"We're working with the building staff to try and advise people about these risks," Smith said.

Last semester, Rec Hall staff noticed a tremendous increase in thefts, he said.

"I have no idea why the thefts increased," Lorenzo said. "I have been here for 34 years now, and we had more incidents in the fall than I ever remember hearing."

In 1996, 98 incidents of theft were reported, resulting in $9,000 of stolen property, Smith said. University police have yet to tabulate the results for 1997.

Although the University police and Rec Hall staff are doing more to prevent theft from occurring, the beginning of the semester always means more thefts, Smith said.

The majority of the thefts are a result of people leaving their belongings unattended, Smith said.

The thefts have caused some of the faculty in Rec Hall to advise students in their classes to be aware of the problem.

"I do advise students not to leave their belongings, and if we are going to be leaving the room, we have people take their things with them," said William Buckley, associate professor of exercise and sport science and health education, whose office is in Rec Hall.

Other regular visitors of Rec Hall have realized the problem and are careful with their belongings.

"I wouldn't leave stuff around. For example, when we are up running on the track and something is left here, it's gone," said Lauren Cacciamani, member of the women's volleyball team.

The thefts were not a big issue last year, Cacciamani added.

Other incidents in Rec Hall in recent weeks include a parked motorcycle in the men's locker room and a man not affiliated with the University exposing himself in the men's locker room.

In the most recent rash of thefts, no arrests have been made, Smith said, adding that the motorcycle incident was unusual.

Criminal activity in Rec Hall is nothing new to University police. In 1996, a string of incidents occurred in the building, Smith said, adding that another set occurred last fall. The last time University police made an arrest in an incident of theft at Rec Hall was 1996, he said.