Each year students lose thousands of dollars worth of cell phones, textbooks and other personal items because of theft.
“It’s often because they’re left unattended,” MSU police Lt. Mary Johnson said.
University police often deal with reports of stolen items from the Main Library, lobby areas of buildings and even students’ dorm rooms. Often students leave their things for a short period to do research or run an errand and the items are stolen.
Johnson recommended students always bring their backpacks and other possessions wherever they go.
“Even if it’s just to the bathroom,” she said.
Johnson said students also should keep their doors locked in the dormroom.
“If your roommate isn’t in the habit of locking the door, ask them to start,” she said. “It’s going to make all the difference.”
Marking items with some sort of personal ID also will assist in retrieving stolen items, Johnson said.
Howard Ballein, manager at the Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave., said the book store provides a safeguard against stolen-book returns, but he agreed with Johnson’s tips for prevention of theft.
“It would be best to avoid it altogether,” Ballein said. “Books are one thing that can be sold back and can be redeemed for cash.”
Some book stores also have to deal with preventing their own texts from getting stolen and returned for cash. Security cameras have been installed in some business to prevent such theft.
If students do lose an item, Ballein said to immediately call police and let them know of the theft, and then to notify all the bookstores in the area.
Store employees are given lists of stolen books and watch for them to be returned. Distinguishing marks within books can help them be identified, so Ballein recommended students write their name and date of birth on each of their books.
“We do watch for things,” he said. “We keep track of it pretty well.” Individuals returning books are required to present picture ID.
Library employee Laurie Meguiar said students often approach the desk asking questions regarding stolen items.
She also said students often leave textbooks and computer disks lying around. The items are placed in a lost and found department, but are often left unclaimed.
“I understand,” the psychology junior said. “I sometimes leave my things when I am concentrating on something.”
Staff writer Katie Byrne contributed to this report.
