OPINION | OCTOBER 25, 2005

Editorial/Our View
To Catch a Thief
Increased alertness and new measures needed in Activities Building

Theft in the Activities Building has increased in the past months, and students working out have to keep an eye on their belongings or suffer the consequences. Students either must keep a constant watch on their things, hold onto them or buy a lock for a locker.

In the past six months, 14 thefts have been reported in the Activities Building. Among the stolen items are cell phones and keys that have lead to automobile theft. Eight of the 14 thefts have occurred since the beginning of the semester.

Students shouldn’t have to worry about leaving their things unattended while they are working out or anywhere else on campus.

Just as children get mad when someone steals their lunch or crayons out of their cubbyholes in kindergarten, the same is happening with the cubbyholes in the Activities Building, except crayons have been replaced by cell phones and lunches by car keys. The teachers aren’t around to monitor the cubbyholes or save the day now, but they should and can be.

Surveillance cameras are not installed in the Activities Building; however, with so many thefts going on, the addition of security cameras would be an effective solution. The presence of them would likely ward off thieves and if not, the police department could assist in matching the person on the videotape with a Mav Express card.

The building will be renovated in the future, and security cameras should be installed in the process. After the renovations, the building will be larger and more prone to thefts if not equipped against them.

Lockers are available in the men’s and women’s locker rooms, but students must have their own locks to use them. While most college students are tight on money, it may be a good idea to spend a couple of extra dollars to ensure the safety of important belongings.

Another option is for students to keep their belongings with them while working out. It’s a hassle to have to carry everything around, but it’s better than not having them at all.

Another possibility is for students to limit the amount of things they bring to the building. If the only required item out of a wallet is a Mav Express card, just bring that. Keys aren’t a big burden and could be carried around or possibly tied to a shoelace. As crazy as this may sound, cell phones still receive calls when left in the car or at home, so try leaving them there.

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