There are so many issues discussed in The Northern Star that it is no wonder that the letters section is always filled with compliments, complaints and personal stories.

I, too, have felt the urge to write to the Star to express my opinions, but I was able to refrain. Now, however, I feel compelled to share my story with the readers of the Star.

On Monday, Nov. 18, a theft of my property occurred at Gabel Hall. My backpack, containing a math book, a calculator, a nylon jacket, and all of my notes for the entire sememster was stolen off of a desk when I left for no more than ten seconds to buy a Coke.

I promptly called the University Police and informed them as to what occurred. The officer instructed me to file a “report of a stolen book” at the HSC Bookstore and at the Village Commons Bookstore. So, the following morning I did so.

Later that day, I received a call from VCB notifying me that a girl did in fact attempt to sell back my book and that I could pick it up anytime. When I arrived at VCB, my book was returned to me.

When I asked the employee if the police were contacted, she said no and the girl was never detained. When I asked the employee why, her rationale was that if the police were called, it probably would be two to three weeks before my book was returned to me and the police probably wouldn’t have recovered my property anyway.

Well, VCB, thanks for your help. So what the girl thief still has my $60 jacket, my $30 backpack and my $20 calculator, at least I have my math book, the only link to the thief.

And to all the thieves out there: if you want to get off easy, try selling the books back to VCB. They don’t check IDs and if they realize the book is stolen, they’ll just let you walk out of the store.

And to all the students: don’t ever leave your items unattended. Trust me, I learned the hard way. Oh, and don’t ask VCB for any help. They won’t help you, I learned that too.

Mark M. Zaslavsky

Sophomore

Pre-business