Has a student ever stolen from you?

Sadly, it happened to me today.
I keep several singles for the vending machines throughout the day inside my Padfolio. Between first and second period today I noticed it was missing (about $10). I was at the computer across the room working with some students and several others were hovering around the back desk. I have never left money out, it has always been in my Padfolio and I have told them no students at the desk, so I had to keep chasing them out.

I filed a report with the school officer of my top suspects, but now I can't get my daily drinks

 

If it isn't in a locked drawer or cabinet, you will have students steal from you eventually. Be forewarned.

 

And break your things, too.

 

Many moon ago I had a student steal my cellphone to make a bomb threat. He wasn't smart enough to throw it away when he was done, so they caught him with the phone on him.

 

When I was subbing at juvenile hall 6-7 years ago (I was there every day), a student stole my phone. He just sat down behind my desk, and wouldn't move. They were about o leave, he finally got up when the officers called them out, and luckily this was the last period of the day. I got my purse and looked for my phone, and realized it was gone. All this happened within 1 minute of them leaving. all the students were outside lined up and they searched them, but somehow he passed it unto others.
Me and a few other stayed behind and searched everywhere for a couple of hours, and nothing.
It was very traumatic for me because back then I didn't have a password on it and whoever had it was able to access private information (I texted my address to someone prior to that) pictures of my daughter, social media, etc. And these were kids who broke the law so it would be so easy for them to use this info the wrong way, but either way it was a violation of my privacy.
The next morning at 10 am I got the phone call that they found the phone, in a place we would have never suspected it. It was in a computer room and the only reason they found it was because a computer was buzzing. My phone was getting signals (eve thought there is no cell phone service 95 % of the time / area of this place) so it somehow interfered with it.
I will never forget that day.

Since then no one ever stole from me. I keep my phone in the same drawer at school (so I don't have to search) and ne major, non-negotiable rule is that the kids don't touch anything on my desk and don't go behind it. In case some actually stands in front of it and I'm elsewhere or take a pencil from it , I sort of "freak out", overreacting on purpose and remind them that they cannot go near my desk because I personal things there. Some get a little upset saying am I accusing them of stealing? My answer is always that no, but if anything ever goes missing they would be the first suspect, so this I s for his protection.

You have to be super careful and strict about your personal things. Once something goes missing, there is a very little chance of it being recovered. Last year they stole a teacher's phone and after 2 days she got it back; I'd say she was extremely lucky. We have cameras in the classrooms so that helped, and the probation officer went above and beyond by going to the kid's house, questioning him, and then later recovering it at another kid's house.

 

Candy. Probably my own fault.

 

I had a klepto kid my first year of teaching. He stole so much (not just from me but from other students as well) that I don't even remember all of the things he stole.

A kid tried to steal a Chromebook from me at the beginning of last year. We were able to lock it down and he dropped it behind a bush in town. Someone returned it to us.

 

We had a teacher get her cell phone (iPhoneX) stolen at Open House the other day. Very upsetting.

 

I keep my wallet locked in my trunk with my purse. And less than $10 cash. My phone stays in my pocket at all times except during break between class, conference or lunch.My work bag has random office supplies, my lunch and my padfolio.

 

I remember when I was in high school, this kid tried to steal my physics teacher’s laptop. He actually was showing it off to his friends in the bus after school. I just happened to walk by, snatched it out of his hands, and strolled to the physics room to return it to my teacher. My teacher was so happy to get it back that he almost forgot to delve out punishment. I told him who the student was and personally saw to it that the police got involved. By the way, if someone steals something from you in school and the value is above $250, then you can press charges. Let’s just say the student now has a criminal record and was charged with petty larceny.

 

We don’t have desks in preschool. Our coats are kept in a room easily accessible to anyone. I have a cabinet overhead, for teacher supplies. I am very frustrated about this. Most teachers use empty/extra cubbies, but they have a curtain only. My lovely kids steal from each other regularly. And other kids can get to my lockers too.

I keep my phone on me. My wallet and keys are stored in my pocket, and I keep a back pack for lotion and stuff. But I am constantly lugging all my teaching supplies back and forth, and no real room to store anything.

Thinking about getting a toolbox/tackle box and put a lock on it. Something else to buy....

 

We have desks that lock but I’m in so many classrooms throughout the day inclusion and relief that I don’t have a perm spot. We are getting a new high school in 18 months and Part of the plan is to have lockers for the teachers in the teachers lounge. They are supposed to be the kind that you choose a combination on the spot and it lasts for 12 hours. If you do open it, it will keep your combination for that 12 hours. Nobody will have to keep up with the key

 

I have had a student steal granola bars from me my first year teaching. They were in my desk and the whole box went missing. So, being the slow learner I was I went and bought another box and put them in the same desk drawer. Of course those were stolen also. I finally got smarter though and the third box I bought I put in my lockable cabinet.

 

A custodian stole my digital camera from my locked closet.

Kids have stolen things. I’m not sure if I have ever missed an episode of theft because I didn’t notice, but the ones I’ve caught weren’t very slick.

 

Yes, but usually I am able to catch them. This is how. I let the class know what happened and when. Example: I had $10 on my desk this morning and it is now missing. I then tell the students to write down anything that they saw or know about this. I tell them to put who they saw and what they exactly saw or heard. I suggest they put their name, so I can talk them later in private, but I will not tell anybody your name. They don't have to put their name. If they know nothing. They write "Nothing". I then have them put their papers in a box folded twice. I read them all later and almost always some people saw and heard something. Often I give the chance for the person to return the item that day for complete forgiveness and no consequence. Many take me up on this offer.

Having someone steal from you just really hurts--especially as a teacher. I have been there. So sorry you are going through this.

 

Not just students....

 

My students haven't, but I share a room with another teacher and her students sometimes take candy or other things from my desk which is very annoying.

 

I have never had this issue. I have had kids take and use things of mine without permission, but not steal. I keep my phone and computer out regularly (as does my mentor) and we have never had an issue.

 

This was a situation where I would have loved this, but unfortunately the class with suspect was already gone. I’ve talked before how I love the anonymous snitch system

 

Not before this year. Unfortunately, this year the thief in my room has stolen a box of snacks that I had for a guidance program I run and then they progressed to stealing another student's earbuds. I'm 99% sure I know who it is, but have no proof--yet. Unfortunately, the student in question holds a lot of power among the other students, and no one will rat him out--yet.

 

A kid stole batteries from a remote control for the smartboard. Right under my nose.

 

Give it time - revisit this thread after you have been teaching in your own classroom for a couple of years or so.

 

I’ve also never had anything stolen from me (knocks on wood) and I’ve been teaching 9 years with a variety of demographics and age ranges.

 

Yes! Candy, a few $1 bills, and a gift card. The gift card was the WORST. It was my 1st year in a new district and I got this huge, amazing gift from the parents. It was a $100 Amazon GC, and meant so much because this was a Title 1, low income school. Every parent had contributed. I left suddenly that day when the nurse at my son's school called that he was ill. The following day, I was out with him. When I returned, the GC was gone from my desk. My 2nd graders that year were so sweet, and *seemed* just as upset as I was. I did file a report with the staffing agency who provided the school subs.... I never heard back but the sub who was in my room that day never returned to the school that year. This was 4 or so years ago and I'm in a new district, but I will never forget it!

 

I've been teaching at my current school for six years and have only had one thing stolen, which was my drink. I keep everything out, including my phone, keys, etc... I keep money right in my top drawer too.
I will say if I leave the candy jar out, they think it's fair game no matter how many times I tell them they can't have it whenever I want. Also, their definition of one piece seems to be different than mine as we have to review that every week.

 

Respect & rules = relationships. We had a lunchables thief in 2nd gr. She messed up when we handed out hot lunch cards and cold lunch kids we’re in separate line. Her eyes shifted and she stuttered when we handed her a lunch card, and had the stolen Lunchable in her hand.

You almost want to leave a case if stuff all around and test the waters. Or a decoy purse with marked singles. If they are hungry or broke, one or two will be gone. See who pops up with your stuff. If 1/2 or more are gone, you got a pro or klepto your on hands.

I remember visiting a neighboring Brownie Troop when my daughter’s friend had a fire. We came over to bring our troop’s donation for the family. There was a table with money for dues $ and food sitting out. It’s just understood - we are all sisters. Nobody should have to put away anything. Classrooms should be the same way.

 

The church held Sunday school in my classroom and someone walked off with an iPad that was put away in a cabinet. Otherwise, I've only had little things stolen. Candy and pencils, mostly.

 

I've been teaching for 17 years, and had multiple thefts over the years, sometimes from students who weren't even mine. First such experience was a fourth grader, who would wander at lunch, looking for open doors without teachers present. She pilfered from the wallets in teacher's purses, since most teachers at that time put their purses in their closet without locking. In the last 5 years, I have seen an increase in "group steals", where there are decoys explicitly directed to separate the teacher away from the target. Once again, not just me, but virtually every teacher in my private SPED school has suffered losses of one kind or another. I'm not cynical, but realistic. I've had students break into locked cabinets during a crisis, when their noise is covered by the noise in other classrooms or the hall. They will steal their snacks, tell you they didn't get one, and then laugh at any teacher gullible enough to fall for the story. Teachers have had their walkies stolen, their keys ripped off of their lanyards, cell phones spirited away, and clothing taken "just because they could." My financial losses have been minimal, but the feeling of being abused sometimes gets to those of us in the trenches, day after day.

I would recommend always finding the best, most secure way to lock down purses, lunches, and goodies. I also refuse to wear jewelry of any value to work, never have my cell phone in the building, and go so far as to lock away my soda/snacks. I try and teach new hires about the decoy ploys, to help them be more prepared. These students steal from each other constantly, so they don't see a problem with stealing from staff, who they view as "rich" and therefore, justifiable marks. A few years back a pack of three used the decoy method to distract an employee, with the intent of doing bodily harm, which they did. This is vandalism intended to harm, so I will remain vigilant and prepared. I have a hairpiece that I sense is a target, something that can be snatched, so I refuse to allow students to stand behind me or to touch the hair under any circumstance. Any comment about my hair is documented and considered a matter of disrespect, dealt with accordingly. My job, besides teaching, is to be consistent in my responses, so that my students know exactly what to expect from me. I praise just as consistently. I work with EBD students and I would rather be prudent than sorry. If I was going to carry money loose in my purse for drinks, I would not hesitate to make a marker slash across each side, so that they would be easy to see from a distance if another teacher saw them being used by a student at the cafe or vending machines...Let's just say that I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

Oh I’m very careful and now that I think about it, I’ve had pens/pencils/highlighters taken from my desk/classroom, but that’s really all I can remember. I was stolen from when I was a student (a brand new game boy in 6th grade).

 

Why?

 

When I worked in juvenile hall, the decoy was their main tactic. These kids would watch the teacher to learn everything about them, what makes them upset, laugh, how lenient they are, how far they will go with favors or overlooking things and they would see how much they keep an eye on things.
So even if you're on the top of your game, they try to come up to your des with a question, acting all sincere and eager to learn. You, the teacher feel happy because you feel that wow, they actually want to learn. the kid will stand directly in front of you so others can do things, tag on the desks, or steal something. Sometimes you have 2 kids come up.
after a while the staff told me about this, and it made so much sense. So I always told the kids to not come to me, I will go to them, but if they had to, to stand next to my desk, not in front, as I need to see everything.
It is better to walk around, but then a kid would need your help so bad. When you help that kid you're concentrating on looking at his desk, his paper, ad the rest of the classroom is fair game.
so what do you do? You pick up his paper, don't bend down on the desk, stand straight, hold the paper at eye level and keep scanning the room more than ever.
These kids didn't even have anything to steal, we always had our purses locked up in our desk, or left at the front office (I didn't lock it if it wasn't lockable, as you can read that in one of my earlier comments how my phone got stolen there) They could basically steal pencils or sharpies. Sharpies were high prized
The interesting thing is that they tried to steal to gain a sense of control. They had nothing, no personal belongings, so this could be something they could call their own. Their dorms and lockers were constantly searched, they often threw it away but even if they got caught, there wasn't a huge consequence.
One kid told me they steal markers for the thrill and satisfaction that they ca steal something from under the teacher's nose and they don't even notice it.

My 2 years at juvie definitely taught me to be more vigilant and understanding of their distorted views and needs. We like to have a sense of control in our lives, and kids that have none (locked up or not), often steal to have at least that much control.

 

I had a student take my phone and an iPad from my room a couple of years ago. Other kids talked so I had an idea which two students were involved. My phone mysteriously showed up in the computer lab a couple of days later. The kid who stole the iPad felt so guilty about it that he returned it and admitted he took it, crying the whole time. I suspect he got talked into it by the student who took the phone who never fessed up.

 

I’m guessing he needed the batteries to power his own electrical device/appliance and decided to take the batteries from the remote control

 

I think it has to do with respect for other people's stuff. At my last school, I had students who would disregard rules, show blatant disrespect, and just be in school to be disruptive. It was a poor 99% white school. My current school is also 99% white and 75% free / reduced lunch. I don't have the same situation. The kids I have this year are respectful.

 

A new week, a new round of singles for my drinks. BUt this time they are in my pocket and I put my rubber stamp on them

 

Yeah, when kids take batteries, keyboard keys, little random stuff like that, it's usually just to cause a disruption and/or be mean. One of my colleagues had a cord that went from her computer to the monitor stolen. It was worth next to nothing and didn't actually hurt anyone, but it was a major inconvenience to the teacher.

 

I guess they steal things like that to feel some power and control.

 

I've had a few things stolen by students, mostly snacks.

Far more things have been stolen by grown adults. Ugh.

I caught a custodian red-handed stealing pop from my mini-fridge. I had been noticing that my pop supply had been needing replenishment a lot more frequently. I'm sure now that the custodian had been stealing it for quite some time.

Someone broke into my room after hours and took a projector and a portable hard drive. Video evidence suggested that the room had been left slightly ajar on purpose and that it was a planned hit.

Someone broke into my room after hours by dismantling the A/C unit on the roof. I think that they had intended to take the projector, but it had already been stolen a few weeks before, so they didn't get anything. They did make a mess, though, when they fell through the roof, leaving a gaping hole in the ceiling.

One of my subs stole a bunch of scented wax melts. Another sub stole all my snacks. Another sub stole all my fancy pens, which I now lock up whenever I'll be out.

People just need to learn to keep their hands to themselves.

 

Dismantling an A/C unit on a roof sounds pretty desperate to steal a projector or anything really./ Wow.

 

I had a student who would constantly take batteries from my calculators. He would also launch spitballs onto the ceiling. On his last day, he took old-style color ink for printers and smeared textbooks with it. I figured it was the last day that I would ever see him and for me to be working at that school last year so I just cleaned it up. He's one of those students who has no business being in school and causes others harm by being a distraction. He even admitted to the P when I took him to the office.