After having her book bag stolen Jan. 25 from a designated drop spot, international business freshman Alejandra Chavez found San Antonio College bookstore management claimed no responsibility for her loss despite their prohibition of backpacks in the store.
Even though the bookstore claimed no responsibility for Chavez getting her book stolen, they have agreed to take care of her and replace her stolen reading book worth about $77.
District manager Elizabeth Grey said in an interview Tuesday that they look at theft incidents case by case.
“We will work with you,” Grey said.
The bookstore’s twin goals are to deter people from stealing from students and students stealing from the bookstore, she said.
Amy Turpin, bookstore manager, received permission from the corporate office of Follett Higher Education Group to speak to The Ranger on Jan. 29.
Via e-mail that day, Turpin explained the bookstore maintains a bag-drop policy, requesting that while shopping, customers leave backpacks or bags in an area observed by video camera and store personnel.
She also wrote that during the busy period in the first week or two of classes, the bookstore provides a bag check station to customers.
Bookstore employees supervise the station, checking bags in and out by means of a numbered card or slot to ensure the bags are returned to rightful owners.
Turpin wrote this policy is similar to most retailers who request that shoppers leave their parcels at the front of the store. “Our bag policy is only implemented with permission of the college and district,” she wrote.
“During non-busy periods, we provide cubicles monitored by video camera and within view of our sales associates,” Turpin wrote.
“This policy is designed to ensure that we treat all of our customers equally,” she wrote.
Grey elaborated, saying, “We don’t discriminate. The system is designed to not discriminate against anyone.”
This means everyone is asked to drop his or her bag in a cubby.
Grey said the bookstore would be happy to work with the college in improving security. “It’s our goal to have as safe an environment as possible for students to shop in,” she said.
Video cameras greet students in the front entrance right when then they walk in.
In an interview Tuesday, Turpin said, “People who plan on stealing know we are watching.”
On Jan. 25, Chavez said her backpack was stolen at 10:30 a.m. from the San Antonio College Bookstore in the storage area at the entrance to the college bookstore on the lower level of Loftin Student Center, while she was in line buying Scantrons.
The bag contained two textbooks, two notebooks, an agenda and her car keys.
Chavez said she placed her black backpack in a cubby provided by the store just outside the north entrance. She then picked up her Scantrons and stood in line to pay. When she returned to the cubby, her bag was gone.
Chavez could tell from the store video that the man who stole her backpack was beside her as she was putting her things in the cubby.
He was also in line in front of her as she was waiting to purchase the Scantrons, but he left the line before reaching the cashier.
“When he left the line, that’s when I think he grabbed my bag,” Chavez said.
She described him as an African-American with dreadlocks and a teardrop tattooed on the left side of his face. She said campus police advised her not to confront the suspect if she saw him again. If you have any information on this incident, call the district department of public safety at 485-0099.
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