Thefts in Glenview have sharply declined in the weeks following the posting of signage warning students that they will be prosecuted if caught.

“Now that we made the student body aware, those who are doing it are aware that people are watching and are less apt to do it,” said Karen Bast, dining services administrator of Glenview Commons. “I think students who are not stealing would not be afraid to step up and take notice.”

Dave Ernst, food service manager at Greenwood Avenue Market agreed.

“The signs generated a lot of conversations, which was the purpose,” Ernst said. “We had a lot of questions from students as to why the signs were put up. When we told them what was going on, some were surprised. In the long run they kind of saw our point: it’s going to cost the average student more money if it continues.”

Theft has not stopped altogether, however, and UW-Platteville food service administration is concerned about the cost and impact on the campus.

“This week, they broke a couple pieces of silverware. We still have the small things that disappear on a daily basis. Little stuff goes on,” Bast said.

The problem is not confined to just Glenview Commons.

“We go through a lot of the fast food trays every year, but the most common thing people steal is food,” said Doug Stockli, retail administrator at the Pioneer Crossing. “Some customers here prefer to eat their meal before they get to the cashier. As the Styrofoam to-go options increase, customer honesty decreases. If we don’t inspect what’s in a customer’s container, they aren’t always forthcoming with everything they’ve purchased or requested. But it’s not self-serve here, so they don’t have the opportunities to steal serving utensils. The thefts we see here are consumption dishonesty.”

“It’s going to cost the average student more money if it continues. The students are going to pay for the behavior of a few, and that’s not the way it should be,” Ernst said. “UW-P is in the bottom tier as far as cost for meals, so we’re trying to stay there. We’re trying to keep our costs down, and this isn’t helping.”

Stockli said, “All of the profits from the dining services stay on this campus to reduce tuition. Whether they need money for coaches, professors or buildings, we offset costs for the campus. Theft lowers our profit margin, so we have less to give back to the university. Students are stealing from themselves.”

Officials are open to other ideas to deter theft.

“We are always open to different ideas,” Bast said. “We might be able to find something more we can do, but we hate that we have to. We like to think of the dining room as a home dining room, comfortable and welcoming. We don’t like the idea of cameras buzzing back and forth or mirrors encroaching space.”

Boxes are put out in the residence halls at the end of the year, hoping to get as many items back as possible.

“Last year, we got some things back, but not nearly what we lost,” Ernst said. “Replacement costs get rather expensive. We’re working on a dining services amnesty day.”

“I am always thankful for the majority of our customers that come in,” Bast said. “They are very personable and very professional and very courteous. We respect those clients that come in and respect the environment and what we do for them. It’s too bad they got caught in the crossfire. The signs were our last resort, and they didn’t really reflect who we are. That’s not how we pride ourselves. We were trying to make a statement and show awareness with the signs. We had to hold students accountable. Doing nothing says it’s OK.”