Criminal Behavior:
Theft of Library Materials

If an automatic book detection system goes off:

• Always assume the innocence of the patron.
• Ask if the person has any books, videotapes, or other materials that may not have been desensitized.
• If you see any such materials, ask if the person had been planning to check them out.
• If the materials belong to another branch library and are not checked out, they should be confiscated and sent back.
• If the person surrenders the materials, keep them behind the desk.
• If you cannot determine what is activating the alarm, ask the person to open his or her book bag or briefcase.
• If the person leaves without stopping or leaves with the materials, do not follow the person.
• Be sure to notice what the person looks like and give an accurate description.

Branch Libraries: notify Public Safety immediately at 8-1000.
Firestone Library: notify Library Security immediately at 8-3221.

If theft of library materials is observed:

• Try to get another witness to the behavior, if at all possible.
• Do not talk to, detain or follow the person.
• Give an accurate description of the materials in question if at all possible.

Branch Libraries: notify Public Safety immediately at 911.
Firestone Library: notify Library Security immediately at 8-3221.