Vending machine theft increases

Theft from the Pepsi vending machine in the 100s hallway prompted the administration to move the machine to the third-floor teacher's lounge, according to financial secretary Donna Franklin.

Between 10 and 15 drinks were stolen from the vending machine each week since November. Every time a soda is stolen, Blair loses money on the commission it would have received if the drinks had been sold.

When a student steals a bottle from the vending machine, the machine acts as though there is still a soda in the empty slot, so the next student trying to purchase a soda receives nothing. After money is put into the machine and nothing comes out, the bottles in the machine move up a space, enabling thieves to steal from the machine again.

Franklin reimbursed some students whose money had been eaten by the vending machine. Now that the machine has been relocated, Franklin has posted a sign on the financial office window saying that the school will no longer refund money lost in the machines. Students should instead call the phone number on the machine.

This machine is the only one that Franklin is aware of students stealing from. The machine's square opening, coupled with the fact that it lacks an anti-theft mechanism, made it possible for students to steal from the machine, she said.

Franklin said she does not know what the increased theft is attributable to. Because of the theft, the vending machine was taped over for two weeks before winter break. Blair informed Pepsico about the problem and on Jan. 3, Pepsi workers emptied the machine. On Jan. 10, the machine was moved to the teachers' lounge.

No students have been apprehended for stealing from the vending machine.