As Lied Recreation Center attracts more fitness-conscious students, the disappearance of sweat clothes, gym bags and athletic shoes has become an increasingly frequent problem.

“We’ve had a tremendous theft problem on the third floor near the fitness center,” said Larry Cooney, director of recreation services. “There is no way for students to secure their belongings, so they put them on the floor or the ledge.

“They come back from working out and find their clothes and belongings gone,” he said.

In attempt to curb theft at the rec, the Government of the Student Body will put to vote Wednesday night a bill that would allocate more than $26,000 to install lockers on the third floor.

The requested amount would cover the purchase, shipping and installation of 115 two-tier lockers.

“We’ve been working with the Government of the Student Body on this because it primarily involves students,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get approval, get started and get the lockers installed.”

Christian Edmiston, graduate senator and author of the bill, said the lockers would be a good safety precaution.

“I know there have been thefts, and when I go to the rec to lift weights or run, I’m a little concerned about leaving my keys and ID on the ledge,” he said.

Students would be able to bring their own padlocks to secure the lockers or check out locks at the rec. The lockers would be available for use while students are at the center but not overnight.

The general trend for theft shows an increase during the winter months, said Rhonda Fritsche, program assistant for recreational services.

“Students bring large amounts of things during the winter,” she said. “They bring their coats and their backpacks, and it all gets stolen.”

Fritsche said accurate figures of theft are difficult to determine because many thefts are never reported to recreational services or the Department of Public Safety.

The idea to install third-floor lockers to diminish theft is not a new concept, Cooney said.

“We’ve talked about it for quite a while,” he said. “With greater usage of the rec, we’ve become very concerned.”

Fritsche said it’s an ongoing problem.

“Generally speaking, most other schools have lockers available,” she said.

The rash of theft has not hit Beyer Hall or State Gym nearly as hard, Cooney said. The rec is especially vulnerable because of its “high volume of traffic and popularity.”

“It isn’t as much of a problem because the other gyms have adequate lockers,” he said.

The installation of the lockers would meet two main goals, Cooney said. “We want to reduce theft and provide another great service,” he said.

Convenience, as well as security of possessions, is a major incentive for the new lockers. Currently, locker units are available at the rec for free student use in the corners of the first floor.

“Those lockers aren’t used because they are so far away,” Cooney said. “It is a hassle to put your belongings in a locker on the first floor if you are working out on the third floor.”

Representatives from recreational services have been working with Fiber Resin Lockers to get an estimate for pricing.

“We have seen it installed at other universities,” said Scott White, business manager for recreational services. “They are made from a composite material, which makes them more durable and more pleasing to look at, as opposed to the standard metal lockers.”

If GSB approves the money for the lockers, bids with certain specifications would be sent to many companies, although White predicted most industry pricing would be similar.

“It has been good working with the GSB folks,” he said. “I’m happy to see them looking at this as something that could benefit the students.”