Daily Petty Crime At Science Center Worries Staff

In an effort to reduce the number of thefts in the Science Center, Ronald E. Vanelli, director of the Science Center, this week began posting weekly lists near the Greenhouse Cafe of crimes committed in the building.

"I kept reading the reports the police sent me about crime, but the word wasn't getting through. I thought if people were more aware, they wouldn't be so careless," he said.

This week's list shows that four of the six crimes committed between Monday and Friday of last week were thefts.

If crimes don't decrease, Vanelli said he might close the Science Center at midnight. Currently it is one of the few University buildings open 24 hours a day.

"But I wouldn't want to force out those students who study there after the libraries close," he added.

Vanelli said he thinks students should not leave valuables, such as wallets or calculators, unattended while in the Science Center. He added that because several coats have also been stolen, "students might want to carry those as well."