As a senior here at Tech, I’ve never felt like Blacksburg was a town with a crime problem. But, unfortunately, a few bad apples can ruin things for everyone. During a party this weekend at my apartment in Pheasant Run, a collection of items, including digital cameras, video games and an iPod were stolen from my roommates and me. What was most upsetting was the fact that my camera had an album of photos on it that were part of an academic project that I will no longer be able to complete.
While I am certainly not naive enough to believe this letter will result in the return of these items by individuals who realize they might have made a mistake in stealing, especially from a house that offered them a party to attend, I hope it might bring to light a problematic issue. I have always been impressed by the overall friendliness of Hokies and how tight-knit our community is, and it’s unsettling to have to address this concern. I’ve spoken to other students, and I know larceny has become an issue here at Tech, on and off campus.
The Collegiate Times’ Web site has a Campus Crime Database that cites data on reported criminal activity on campus and the specifics of each case. Larceny is far and away the most prevalent crime on campus with 362 reported cases. I’m sure I can speak for other students in saying that it is unacceptable that we should have to worry about theft from our fellow classmates. Physical items can be replaced when lost or stolen, but regaining an atmosphere of security after it has been breached is a more difficult task. Hokies have shown in the past that they can bond together for a common cause, be it a football game, the Big Event or a campus tragedy. Tech should represent excellence in academics, community service and athletics, but it should also exemplify a safe place to live; don’t tarnish Tech’s image with theft, dishonesty and crime.
Eric Spain
Senior
History & business major