Saturday's sting operation by Penn State Police Services that netted a suspect lifting a backpack from the Intramural Building was in response to a rash of thefts police said is "more than just typical."

Police Supervisor Dwight Smith said 34 incidents of what police call "crimes of opportunity" have been reported since spring break.

Thefts of backpacks and personal belongings always increase during this time of the semester as a need for money increases, but Smith said that this year, police have seen the number of incidents rise in academic facilities, as well.

"At any given time of the year, you see thefts from the athletic facilities and the libraries," Smith said.

But, in addition, nine academic buildings have been hit by thefts of personal belongings since the break, he said.

Smith said his department has put out additional uniform patrols and plain-clothes detectives, as well as employing surveillance cameras in an effort to thwart would-be thieves.

Police arrested State College resident Ryan Reichlin on Saturday after he picked up a backpack that was planted in the west hallway of the IM Building.

Police said surveillance tracked Reichlin as he took the bag to his car in the parking lot, looked through the bag and then drove off.

Police later pulled over, arrested and charged Reichlin with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, and driving while an operating privilege is revoked.

Reichlin, 28, is a former Penn State student who has a history of similar crimes, Smith said, adding he has been prohibited from university facilities since 1994.

Tom Lovins, director of recreational sports at the IM Building, said theft of student belongings gets frustrating, but with Penn State's open-door policy, it is difficult to maintain a secure building.

"Students need to be more cognizant of their belongings," Lovins said. "I can't tell you how many lockers we find with unsecured belongings."

He said with a large campus there will be thefts, but students can take steps to avoid being a victim.

"You don't have to bring expensive watches and jackets," Lovins said. "Just bring what you need, and what you do bring, lock it up in a locker."

He suggested students not leave bags and personal belongings in hallways when playing basketball and racquetball.

"Why would you leave your stuff on the outside of the court, when you can put it on the inside in a corner," Lovins said.

He also proposed police distribute photos of prohibited individuals so staff can identify people who do not belong on university property, such as Reichlin.

Smith said police may consider that proposal, but they first would have to discuss it with legal experts.

"I don't know if we want to get into posting photos of known offenders," Smith said. "I think that may set a bad precedent."

Meanwhile, police are trying to raise student awareness to protect their personal belongings by distributing "Rip-off Cards" to those who leave their things unattended in the libraries.

The cards read, "Don't get ripped off. Secure your valuables," and are left with unattended belongings.

Tom Fankhauser, assistant manager of The Penn State Bookstore, said students should mark their books in a distinguishable way so they can later be identified when a thief tries to sell them.

"Pick a page number and mark something specific to you," Fankhauser said. He added that it is not a good idea to put too much personal information in the book because the thief could use it.