Five campus crime hotspots

By Nikki Ahern

We've all seen the signs -- "Do not leave possessions unattended at any time." But what does that really mean? What are the worst places on campus for crime?

Here are the five campus buildings with the highest theft rates, according to The University of Akron police.

1. Bierce Library

A whopping 60 percent of all campus thefts occur inside Bierce Library. Simply turning your back for a quick few minutes while you search for books can cost you books, cell phones, CD players, wallets and anything else.

The library ranks highest in crime because non-students are allowed in. Also, the building is large enough to house distraction zones where people can hide and wait for their moment to strike.

With so many people coming and going out of the library, it is difficult to track down who swoops in and takes what before they are out the door. UAPD reports indicated, however, students also have been caught stealing or with stolen possessions stemming form library incidents.

2. Rec Center

The number of thefts at the new Recreation Center has surged since the University opened the facility to the public. These days, everything from gym bags to purses and wallets -- even shoes -- have been reported missing by students.

3. Student Center

The union should be a place where a student should be able to put down her/his possessions and get a drink or some food. If you do that at The University of Akron's union, you're likely to come back and find something missing. Just like the library, so many people are moving in and out of the Student Union that it is very difficult to find the stolen possessions -- or the people responsible.

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