As if NYC teachers didn't have enough to worry about (third-grade reading tests, anyone?), their personal possessions are getting pilfered:
An outbreak of thefts has plagued city schools, as petty criminals have made off with cell phones, purses, jewelry and laptops. One teacher even lost her coat from inside school headquarters at the Tweed Courthouse - where guests are scanned and photographed and have to cough up identification before entering.
The rash of thefts has forced Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to issue a mass warning to principals and distribute a flyer with theft-prevention tips.
"If you look at the schools, you have an influx of new teachers. Like anything else, you come to New York and expect everything to be safe. But it's not Kansas," said NYPD Assistant Chief Gerald Nelson, commander of school safety...
Thefts of staff, student and school property swelled 31% between July 1 and Sept. 26 compared with the same period last year, according to police statistics...
A Bronx middle school teacher who asked to remain anonymous said he has been pickpocketed twice while working and once caught a sixth-grade girl in the act. "The students feel like there are no consequences," he said.
Good Lord. My job is stressful, too, but at least I don't have to worry about what's in my pockets.
Posted by kswygert at October 23, 2004 03:39 PM