With increased awareness, the student rec center has seen a decrease in thefts. (CU Independent file/Amanda Bernaudo)
CU Recreation Center staff members are taking measures in order to decrease the incidence of theft in their facility this year. Unusually high levels of theft were documented during last year’s fall semester.
According to an Oct. 17, 2008 CU Police Department press release, one theft occurred in August of 2008, followed by six in September and 11 in October of the same year.
Rec Center staff members have taken small steps in an effort to decrease the level of theft. Larger warning signs have been installed, reminding Rec Center members to lock up their belongings and a section of communal cubbies that members once stored belongings in has now been removed.
It is hoped that these small steps will make a big difference when it comes to the security of patrons’ belongings.
“We try to inform our patrons as best we can,” said Rec Center Building and Services Manager, Daniel J. Rummel. “We put bigger signs in the locker rooms and – you know – you hope it’ll work but you never know.”
Staff members suspect that the incidents of theft may have been, at least in part, due to a lack of precautionary effort taken by those who frequent the facility.
“Sometimes people will put stuff in a locker just for the day and not lock it up,” said Chelsea Manning, 21, a senior music arts major.
Despite the newly implemented changes, however, some students still have concerns about the security of their belongings.
“[I am] concerned about my wallet being stolen out of my jeans while I’m wearing my gym shorts,” said Andrew West, 20, a junior physics and astrophysics major.
Equipment checkout, located on the lower level of the Rec Center, provides daily lock and towel service. The free day-use locker and towel service is available to Rec Center members upon presentation of a valid Buff One Card or membership card at the equipment checkout window. This service includes the provision of a towel and a lock to be used in the locker room facilities. Lockers are also available to rent for a semester or longer.
The previously mentioned CU Boulder Police Department press release can be found at:
http://www.colorado.edu/police/reports/releases/20081017news.pdf
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Ben Vallier at vallier@colorado.edu.
