SRSC thefts up this winter

Weight isn't the only thing students venturing to the Student Recreational Sports Center are losing this year. The SRSC has reported increased incidents of the theft of personal belongings during the winter months. \nAccording to the Division of Recreational Sports Annual Report, from 2002-2003, a total of 23 incidents of theft were reported during the last school year in the months of December, through February. A total of 33 incidents of theft were reported for the entire year.\nJohn Pedersen, risk management officer for the SRSC, said his staff is aware of the increased risk and is responding accordingly.\n"Right now, the facility is at high usage and high volume," Pedersen said. "From our experience, around the holidays there is a little more sensitivity to that kind of conduct. Please use extra precaution to lock up your stuff."\nIn addition to an increased number of participants during the winter months, these people bring more belongings, which increase the number of objects that can be stolen.\nWallets, jackets and backpacks are among the most common items stolen. Since its opening, the SRSC has reported two instances of grand theft auto after someone took the participants' key chains with electronic entry, set off the alarms and stole the cars.\nUpon report of an incident of theft from a participant, a staff member at the SRSC fills out an incident report form. The IU Police Department is called if the participant wants the theft reported.\n"Please, report it," Pedersen said. "If they're stealing here, they might be stealing at the bookstore, and other locations on campus."\nEmily Ward, program director for aquatics and informal sports, said the environment of the SRSC contributes to the amount of theft taking place at the facility. \n"Is there anywhere else on campus where you have so much stuff and the owner isn't present?" Ward said. "Rather than pretending things don't happen, we warn people that they do."\nHooks near the exercise equipment and track are available for participants to hang belongings, but the SRSC claims no responsibility for these items.\n"We provide hang up with the implication that it's your responsibility," Pedersen said.\nThe SRSC tries to be proactive in preventing theft by having a police cadet present during the evenings and by hanging signs encouraging participants to "Hang it up or lock it up." \n"I think the fact that we have a cadet here in the evenings deters criminal mischief," Pedersen said.\nWard said the SRSC offers many options for securing the participants' belongings. \n"We try to make it as easy as possible," Ward said. "We have empty day-use lockers that you can use with your own lock or you can get one in the basement for free, with your student ID."\nWard is astounded at the value of objects left out in the open at the SRSC.\n"It's a college campus -- you lock your doors. You bring 38,000 people together and there are always people with different values systems," Ward said. "At some point, people just have to be responsible for their stuff"