VALDOSTA – The Valdosta State University Police Department issued a statement to its students Tuesday morning regarding recent thefts at the school’s library.

Statement from VSU Police Department:

It has come to the attention of the Police Department that Odum Library has become the target of thefts over the last few days. While the Police Department will continue to provide an increased presence in the Library, we have to ask each of you to assist us in this effort by not leaving any items of value unattended (electronics, textbooks, personal belongings).

I understand the convenience of being able to leave items in a study room while you take a break elsewhere, but this provides would-be thieves with a golden opportunity to make you a victim.

In addition, please take the time to mark your items with a discreet identifying mark (such as your initials in pencil on a page you’ll remember on a textbook) or record the serial numbers of electronics. This small amount of effort can pay dividends later when we apprehend suspects and wish to positively identify property and return it to you.

Lastly, I strongly encourage you to report any and all suspicious activity in the Library, or other campus locations, to the University Police at 333-7816. Complainants can remain anonymous.

Respectfully,

C. Alan Rowe, M.S.
Interim Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety