For the first time ever, Penn State University Police have asked local bookstores to begin checking the identifications of students when they sell back their books.

University police officer Rebecca Berdine said it's a step in an initiative to curb thefts and stolen textbook reselling.

The Student Book Store, 300 E. College Ave., and the Got Used Bookstore, 206 E. College Ave., will join the Penn State Bookstore on campus for the first time in requiring photo identification when selling back a textbook.

Berdine also said university police will be increasing patrols in high-theft areas to deter thefts from students. Some of these high-theft areas are the HUB-Robeson Center, Pattee and Paterno Library, Rec Hall, the White Building and the computer labs across campus.

"The increased patrols will be in high-traffic areas, walking around in uniform and possibly plain clothes," Berdine said.

Berdine added that the average loss to a student is about $80 for having textbooks stolen.

John Lindo, general manager of The Student Book Store, said his employees have been checking IDs since the beginning of the semester. Lindo said his staff members write a student's ID number on the store's copy of the receipt. If someone comes in saying a book was stolen, the bookstore can use the receipt as a tracking mechanism.

"We haven't had too many reports of stolen books," he said. "I think it's definitely a deterrent."

Lindo added that checking every ID during finals week is difficult because of high volumes of people.

Tom Fankhauser, assistant manager at the Penn State Bookstore, said his employees have been checking IDs when students sell back books for a long time.

"I've been here for almost 14 years, and we have been checking them even before I got here," he said.

Fankhauser added that although the store doesn't see a lot of theft, it has reported some cases to the police.

"We've had a good working relationship with the police," he said. "We track down any information we can for them."

Berdine said there are preventative measures students should take to ensure the safety of their property.

"Don't leave your valuables unattended," she said. "Secure your doors as well as doors to dorms or apartments. Also, make sure you report thefts quickly to the police."

The police are also urging students to mark their larger items. Berdine said university police offer an engraving service free of charge.

"They will go right to your dorms to engrave large items," she said.

Although Samantha Jensen (junior-nursing) has never been a victim
of textbook theft, she thinks the
new measures will help with the problem.

"I think it's a good idea, but it will take longer to sell back books now," she said. "I think it will definitely deter theft, especially in the next semesters."

Samantha Marks (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) also thinks it's a step in the right direction, even though it may mean longer lines.

"I think it's a good idea if it would help them to catch people who are stealing things," she said. "It could be a pain, but if it's going to stop theft, then it's a precaution that should be taken."

Kanis Glaewketgarn (junior-architectural engineering) doesn't feel the measures are necessary.

"I don't think it's a big issue because nobody has ever stolen a book from me or anyone I know," he said.

"I don't think it's necessary to check IDs. I don't think they need to do it."