Several thefts that occurred earlier this week from campus locations were reported to the Iowa State Department of Public Safety.

Jerry Stewart, assistant director of DPS, said there are several possible angles to the thefts, including possible drug activity.

Stewart said there is always a great possibility that drugs were a factor in the case.

“Last year we recovered a stolen balance during a drug investigation,” he said “With the type of items that were stolen the possibility of drugs is very apparent.”

According to DPS officials, the thefts happened on Dec. 1 and 2 at Science 1, the Engineering Annex, and the Food Science building. Items stolen ranged from electronic balances, to beakers, crucibles and flasks.

“Sometimes, after breaks, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, people in different departments will notice things missing that may have actually been missing for quite some time,” Stewart said.

He said the possibility of this does not mean that DPS will treat the crimes any less seriously.

“Right now we are treating them as if they are all related,” he said.

The value of the stolen items was approximated at more than $3,500.

With three separate buildings reporting losses of extremely similar items, DPS officials are treating the thefts as though they are related.