Theft continues to be a reoccurring theme in the PE locker rooms.  From phones being stolen out of one’s backpacks to lockers, people are becoming more savvy and smart about the break-ins.
Over the weekend, a person brought a ladder to the gym to climb over the roof and into the atrium. It is not yet known if anything has been stolen. However, this is not the only break-in that has occurred in the PE area.
“Even though we have people working in the locker rooms around the clock, theft did occur,” said PE professor Colleen Ralston.
Potential thieves are watching those that appear to be easy targets. It is highly important that all faculty and students be aware of their surroundings.
In the meantime, there are no security cameras on campus but Police Services are working to keep watch around campus. There are plans to renovate locker rooms but that is to be ideally finished within two years.
Nights and weekends seem to be the best target times for these break-ins because the athletic area is less secure and separated from most of the buildings on campus.
In addition to the ladder break-in, it is normal for students’ and faculty members’ personal belongings to be taken. Ralston, a victim of a theft, had her phone stolen right out of her backpack. She had left her it in the cabinet unlocked and stepped outside only for a moment.
“Do not leave your personal belongings anywhere out of sight or not locked up,” warns Ralston. She also advises faculty and students to bring as little personal belongings as possible.
There have been multiple incidents in the past in which thieves are cutting or breaking the locks on lockers to get to the personal belongings.
Ralston explained that many students in PE find it challenging to find a safe place to put their belongings. Police Services advises students not to leave personal belongings in cars and PE rooms such as the circuit room, weight room, and dance studio do not have a big enough space to facilitate thirty students and their belongings. PE teachers cannot effectively teach their students if they are constantly maneuvering around personal belongings and students in such small facilities.
Regardless the area space and time, Lieutenant Ryan Huddleston calls these thefts as a “crime of opportunity” because it can take only a matter of seconds to occur.  It is easy to leave one’s personal belongings out and then walk away for a moment but that creates an opportunity for potential thieves
“Get in the habit to practice avoiding setting up yourself for an opportunity,” advises Lt. Huddleston.
Potential thieves are watching those that appear to be easy targets. It is highly important that all faculty and students be aware of their surroundings.
In the meantime, there are no security cameras on campus but Police Services are working to keep watch around campus. There are plans to renovate locker rooms but that is to be ideally finished within two years.