Thieves take items from locker room

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Amherst Police are on the lookout for a pair of thieves who stole items from the Northtown Center's locker room.

The theft would never have happened if the victim followed the procedure to lock the locker room at the skating facility. When a group is using the ice, the facility gives one person a key to the locker room. It's up to that person to make sure the locker room and their belongings contained within are secure.

But the only woman using the locker room last week Monday left it unlocked. And just before 1 p.m., thieves took advantage.

Facility managers believe two young men in their late teens or early 20s walked into the locker room and stole an iPhone, wallet and car keys. The pair then went into the parking lot and ransacked the woman's car.

News 4 spoke to the woman about what happened. Sharon Lim says she was crushed by the theft at a facility she's used for the last seven years. And she may have been distracted that day while thinking about a phone call about a potential job offer.

"I just thought I could trust people here. Especially in this community," Lim said.

General Manager Eric Guzdek said, "That's why there's postings all over the doors that we're not responsible for lost or stolen items because it's expected the participant would lock the locker room behind them to protect the valuables."

And Lim says she's learned her lesson.

"You know sadly, the way things are, lock your stuff up. Don't bring anything valuable in here. As sad as it is to say, you can't trust anyone," Lim said.

But luckily for Lim, the cameras at the facility captured to the two suspects.

"Probably in this case, young kids checking doors and they were able and they got lucky in this case. And they were in and out pretty fast," Guzdek said. "I hope they get caught. I hope they get taught a lesson."

Lim added, "Honestly, I think about it and say, 'I hope you needed that more than I did.' I want to be optimistic and see the good in people. I want to live my life that way. But if people prove me wrong, then so be it."

Police are asking anyone with information to call 689-1329 or email tips@apdny.org .