The West Virginia University Police Department is asking for assistance from students and the University community in the online identification of a “person of interest” in a current theft investigation.

The person of interest is suspected of taking a black book bag that contained an intermediate accounting textbook, a gray and red USB flash drive and various writing utensils. It was stolen from the sixth floor of the Wise Library. The book bag and its contents are valued at approximately $320, according to UPD Chief Bob Roberts.

The WVU Police have posted four photos of the suspect and a male that he was observed entering and travelling around the library with at http://idthisperson.com, a website created to assist law enforcement in identifying suspects and persons of interest related to criminal activity.

“We have video surveillance as well as still photographs of the suspect and the male that the suspect entered and travelled around the library with,” Roberts said. “We are using ‘idthisperson’ site again, as we have enjoyed such good results with them in the past.”

Roberts said he encourages WVU students and members of the University community to become active members of the crime-fighting effort by visiting the site and sending in any information they have if they recognize the person. The first person to send in a tip leading to a successful identification can receive a $25 reward.

“This is an excellent way people can actively, though anonymously, become involved in making the University a safer environment for everyone,” he said.

To contact the University Police directly call 304-293-2677. When calling, reference this case as the “Wise Library Theft on Nov. 10, 2012.”

-WVU-

td/11/19/12

CONTACT: Kate VanSant, University Police
304-293-2677, Kate.VanSant@mail.wvu.edu

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