University Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $500 reward for any information leading to an arrest of those responsible for a string of thefts in Larkins Hall.

University Police Chief Ron Michalec said items are being taken from belongings left in hallways.

“People using Larkins’ facilities are not using lockers and are leaving bags, purses and coats hanging outside various gyms,” Michalec said. “The thief or thieves are taking the bags and coats and walking off with them. Then they search for cell phones, cash, credit cards and wallets and leave the bags and coats in Larkins before exiting.”

Dave DeAngelo, assistant director of facility operations at Larkins, said the past five to 14 days have been calm, but three weeks ago, thefts were being reported about four to five times a day.

“Ninety-five percent of things stolen were either out in the hallway or sitting on a floor in a gym,” he said. “I just recommend students keep things in lockers and be on a vigilant lookout for suspicious activity and report anything to Larkins’ staff.”

Michalec said there are uniformed University Police officers patrolling Larkins, but apprehending a suspect is challenging.

“It is difficult to catch people stealing something because you don’t know if those people are walking off with their own property or someone else’s belongings,” he said.

Signs are posted at Larkins announcing a new policy of checking for BuckIDs at the main entrances to the building. Random checks are done throughout the day.

DeAngelo said he is concerned the thief or thieves may not be students, so managers are encouraged to check IDs as well.

Greg Roebke, an employee at Larkins, said he was not even aware of the thefts and said there isn’t any evidence to suspect the thief isn’t a student.

“Just because things are being taken doesn’t mean the thief isn’t an OSU student,” he said. “I don’t really use the lockers here and just keep my stuff in my car.”

Lockers are available in Larkins free of charge or for a fee. If a student purchases a locker, the fee includes a towel and a small locker to keep things in day and night. The lockers are available for $50 per year or $13 per quarter.

The free lockers include use of a big locker during the daytime. Any combination lock left on a locker overnight will be cut and the contents held until claimed.

Mike Shrallow, a dental student, said he uses the lockers and just brings his own combination lock.

“I haven’t heard about the thefts, but I do recommend the use of the lockers,” he said.

The University Area Crime Stoppers is modeled after the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. The university division deals with crimes not serious enough to get the attention of the Central Ohio division, but which still affect the quality of life for those in the university area.

The information provided by an anonymous tip does not act as the arresting tool, but it may point police in the right direction. This in turn helps to develop a suspect which could lead to an arrest.

Anyone wishing to volunteer information may do so by calling the University Area Crime Stoppers at 247-TIPS. The hotline allows informants to remain anonymous by giving them an identification number. They can then use their number and not their name when calling back to check on whether their information has led to an arrest which qualifies them for the reward.

Cash rewards are given at Columbus police headquarters.