Although thefts are not commonly reported at Atlantic High School, they still occur. During the 2016-17 school year, no thefts have been reported. “Currently we have zero records of theft right now,” principal Heather McKay said. “Last year was more of an issue, though.”

McKay said the most common and frustrating time is when an item is stolen from the locker room. This generally happens when students do not lock up their belongings.

No one wants to be a victim of theft. Unfortunately, theft is all too common a thing to experience. McKay has even experienced thievery while working at AHS. “Money was stolen from my desk by a student before I became principal,” McKay said. Although McKay was not upset about the money being stolen, she was more bothered by the fact that the student did not feel comfortable enough asking. She said if the student had needed money and asked, she would have gladly given it.

Freshman Aleigh Bean said her sister,Sydney Bean has had items stolen from her. “(Sydney) had a Kindle and a pair of Uggs stolen.”

Sophomore Jalen Petersen said gum was once stolen from him. Even though only a pack of gum was stolen from Petersen, he stated, “You don’t steal another man’s gum.” Both Bean and Petersen believe disciplinary action should depend on how valuable the stolen item is. However, McKay said, “We follow straight out what’s in the handbook,” which does not differentiate disciplinary actions concerning the worth of an item stolen.

The AHS Student Handbook lists underneath the theft policy, “A student who unlawfully takes and carries away any school property or property of another is punishable as follows:..” There are punishments for the first and second offenses of theft. Under the first offense, a student will receive a five-day in-school suspension and a conference with the parents, student, and principal will take place. If a second offense occurs, the student will be referred to the Board of Education for disciplinary action. McKay explained if restitution is paid within 24 hours of stealing the item, the in-school suspension for the student would be lowered to two days.

There are several different ways to help protect your valuable items while in school. According to ncpc.org the best ways to prevent thefts include keeping lockers locked, leaving valuables at home, and keeping things in your car out of sight. If an item of yours is stolen, report it immediately.