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University of New Hampshire investigates newspaper thefts
October 6, 2009
NEW HAMPSHIRE -- University of New Hampshire officials are
investigating the theft of more than 4,000 copies of the student newspaper last
week.
Three men were seen on camera throwing out copies of The New
Hampshire shortly after it was distributed Sept. 29. A New Hampshire
article about the theft theorized the action was a response to a pair of
articles about unrecognized fraternities on campus.
New Hampshire Executive Editor Cameron Kittle estimated the three
men, and others who could have been involved, stole 4,250 copies of the paper,
resulting in a total loss of $3,432, including a $2,265 loss in ad
revenue.
Dean of Students Anne Lawing said university police are working to identify
the students on the tape, after which decisions about punishment will be
made.
"We're taking this extremely seriously," she said. "We understand that
advertisers rely on print newspapers to get the word out, and they pay good
money for it."
Kittle said the newspaper staff plans to rerun some of the advertisements
from the stolen paper for free.
Lawing said she appreciated that some people were disappointed not to be
able to get a print copy of The New Hampshire, but that the theft had not
stopped students from reading.
"Given that so much is online, nobody can stop the news from getting out,"
she said.
Articles about the two fraternities and the newspaper theft were among the
most commented on the newspaper's Web site last week.
By Anne Elliott, SPLC staff writer
© 2009 Student Press Law Center
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