Theft Prevention
Do the crime, pull the time
Larcenies of items that are valued at less than a dollar to $1,000 are considered petit larcenies. Larcenies of items that are valued at $1,000 or more are considered grand larcenies.
So essentially, if a textbook that cost $1,000 or more is stolen and the perpetrator is located and a conviction is upheld in court that person could face prison time, jail time, or pay a $2,500 fine, or either/both.
Protect yourself from theft
The easiest way to protect yourself from theft is by locking your dorm room/office door every time you leave. It takes a thief less than a minute to enter a room and take an item of value. If you do leave for any period of time lock your laptop up and secure any other valuable items. A laptop lock is fairly inexpensive and prevents a thief from simply taking your things while you are away.
Another simple way to prevent theft is to avoid leaving personal items unattended, especially those that can be easily concealed. Textbooks are an especially sought after item for thieves who plan to sell the textbook back to a bookstore.
It’s also important to lock bicycles to a bicycle rack to prevent thieves from riding away on them. The Police Department encourages individuals to invest in a U Lock that will protect the bicycle more thoroughly than a cable lock. Most U Locks are cut resistant, meaning a hacksaw or bolt cutters cannot break the lock unlike a cable lock. U Locks can be found at most department stores or bicycle shops.
Individuals who steal items valued at more than $1,000 can be charged with a grand larceny. If the perpetrator is located and a conviction is upheld in court that person could face prison time, jail time, or pay a $2,500 fine, or either/both.
See something suspicious, report it
Most thieves rely on people not getting involved or looking the other way because it doesn’t affect them. As a member of the Hokie Nation, let’s keep an eye out for each other and report it. If it looks suspicious or your sixth sense kicks in, then report it.