According to Assistant Principal Clint Bales, the number of thefts taking place throughout Palmetto increased during the month of October. Students were reporting stolen items on a daily basis, and the administration has had “minimal success in finding [stolen] items.”

Although the administration has had difficulty in curbing the thefts, administrators have tried using video surveillance  footage and eyewitnesses to try to determine possible suspects.

“We don’t believe it’s the act of one person,” Bales said. “It’s been crazy.”

Instead, the administration believes that “teams” of students are stealing items from others. Although there are not any “set periods” in which the thefts occur, common items that are stolen include wallets, cell phones, iPods and even backpacks.

During the week of October 25, the police arrested two Palmetto students on felony charges of grand theft, as they had stolen cell phones valued at over $300.

Bales reported that many thefts occurred during the five minutes between classes. Several students reported that their cell phones were stolen from their backpacks, such as junior Priscilla Calle, whose cell phone was stolen twice.

“First, my cell phone was taken out of my book-bag,” Calle said. Calle was walking in the 500 hallway when her phone was stolen. “Second time, it was my birthday and… I’m holding cupcakes… and a balloon. But then I feel something and I turn around and this guy has my iPod after saying ‘happy birthday’ to me.”

The student who took Calle’s iPod proceeded to ask Calle what color the iPod was. After confirming the correct color, the student returned the iPod to Calle.

“He ran away and I noticed my phone was gone,” she said.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 85 percent of public schools during the 2007-2008 school year reported at least one incident involving crimes, such as violence and theft, amounting to 43 crimes per 1,000 enrolled students that year.

Regardless of the statistics behind the recent rise in thefts, many students remained concerned that their possessions will be stolen while at school, such as senior Kristen Vogel. Although Vogel has  not had anything stolen from her this year, she has friends whose possessions have been stolen and has learned to take precautions.

“I’m always afraid. I never leave my stuff. I’ll bring my wallet [with me wherever I go],” Vogel said. “It sucks. People are crazy!”