Wallet Theft Up At Mather

Wallets have been disappearing at an unusual rate from Mather House foyers and common areas over the past two weeks.

"I've heard of nine or 10 losses in the last ten days," said Mather House Senior Tutor Terry Shaller. "It's a virtual epidemic of theft."

Mather residents tend to leave their wallets at the coat rack with their backpacks while they eat lunch and dinner. Lately, students have been returning from meals to find their wallets gone, Shaller said.

The wallets have usually turned up a few days later, but money, and in some cases i.d. and credit cards, has not been returned to the owners.

"There has been substantial cash loss, much more than I remember from last year. We're doing all we can to encourage people not to leave their possessions lying around and to report any suspicious activity or strangers," Shaller said.

Harvard Police Deputy Chief Jack W. Morse said the Mather House situation is "a definite problem," and said police have been trying to heighten awareness of crime prevention methods.

"Watching out for one another is a more effective discouragement than doubling the police force," he said.

President of the Mather House Committee Julie A. Frochle '86, who lost $20 when her wallet was taken from her bookbag, said "From the pattern of theft I assume it's one person, and from the odd times of disappearance it seems planned, but it's hard to believe that anyone in the house would do this."

Signs have been posted in Mather, and letters have been sent to students warning them of the rash of thefts. Students report that fewer people are now leaving their belongings unattended.