Managers at the Barnes and Noble bookstore at Central State reported high levels of theft in the store at the start of fall term.
, “Sometimes we notice things have been taken from the bookstore,” Store Manager Keturah McNear said. “It’s disappointing. Now we have to create new initiatives to make sure we protect our merchandise.”
Store employees said the theft problem was especially bad at the start of the term when students could use their book vouchers to buy a variety of items.
“During book voucher time, there is a high volume of students in the bookstore,” store employee Marquez Reddick said. “We noticed how much theft was going on from snacks to Central State gear.”
The bookstore requires students to leave book bags and large purses at a counter in the front of the store. Employees are also watching customers more carefully. McNear encourages employees to approach customers regularly and to offer pro-active customer service. She believes students are less likely to steal if they see that employees are walking the store and speaking to customers.