Man arrested in SRSC car thefts

Keyless vehicle entry devices are designed as a convenience to drivers. But at the Student Recreational Sports Center, these devices have been a convenience to a car thief.\nTwo cars were taken from cars in the SRSC parking lot in early October. Police said the thief snatched the unattended keys from the complex and then located the vehicle via the keyless entry device.\nPolice arrested Jai Lynn Malone, 20, Oct. 4 and charged him with fraud and vehicle theft. \nPolice recovered one of the cars, a laptop computer that had been reported stolen from Wright Quad and a set of keys police said might be connected to another car theft from the SRSC. Police later recovered the second car in Indianapolis.\n"We have officers working over there (at the SRSC)," said IU Police Department Lt. Jerry Minger, "but police cannot be with each individual 24 hours a day."\nMalone, who is not a student, could have purchased a pass to enter the SRSC. Kathy Bayless, director of recreational sports, said Bloomington residents and other nonstudents can gain entry into the facility by purchasing a day pass.\nPolice said credit cards that had been stolen were later used for purchases. The credit card company told police where they had been used. That trail led to Malone, Minger said.\nMinger said police believe others were involved. \nJunior Lindsey Weinberg frequents the SRSC and said she carries her keyless remote with her. She usually puts her keys next to the bike or treadmill she works on or is forced to leave them in the back of the room when she is taking a class.\nBayless said the policy at the SRSC prevents individuals from bringing large personal items into the workout area because of fire codes. \nNonetheless, "these are keys. We're not talking about a rash of sweatshirts," she said.\n Bayless said the primary way to prevent the problem is to use one of the free lockers located at the entrance to the facility.\n"I'm at a loss to know what else we might do to help students, faculty and the public with valuables. I know the lockers are not full," she said, "I don't know what else we can do to facilitate people being able to store things in a safe, fairly convenient way."\nMinger suggested keeping a close eye on personal property, especially keys with a keyless entry remote. \n"It is so easy to determine where the car is," Minger said. "There are relatively few parking lots."\nIn light of the recent thefts, Weinberg said she will pay more attention to her personal property. Weinberg said she will be "keeping an eye on (her) keys," and will be inclined to leave the keyless entry at home and only bring the regular key with her.\n"I'd like to think we can all trust each other, but you have to be careful," Bayless said. "Do I think this could happen again? Absolutely. If people are going to leave keys out where everyone can see them, sure it can"