One of the major expenses of attending the University is the cost of textbooks. According to the Central Bookstore, the average student spends $250-$300 per semester on textbooks. And, because textbooks may be re-sold for cash they make an attractive target for thieves.
Throughout the year the University Police receive many complaints of book theft, especially at the beginning and end of the semester and around the holidays. The University Police Department offers you several tips that will help reduce your chances of being a victim of book theft.
As soon as you can, write your name on the inside cover of the books. Also, put identifying marks on several pages of the books, e.g. your driver's license number on the same pages of each book you own. This will make your books less marketable and help the police identify them if they are stolen.
Report any book thefts to the Central Bookstore and the University Police as soon as possible.
Reduce the chances of theft by never leaving books or other valuables unattended, even for a second. Use lockers wherever possible. It only takes seconds to be "RIPPED OFF."