Coop May Give Police Its Student Shoplifters

The Coop may begin turning over Harvard shoplifters to the police instead of continuing its informal policy of presenting them to the Administrative Board for punishment.

The Coop's Board of Directors will discuss the policy-which spares student shoplifters a permanent police record-at its next meeting on March 23 against the background of a steadily rising rate of loss from theft.

Increased Theft

According to Coop General Manager Alexander Zavelle, "more Harvard students are shoplifting at the Coop than ever before." Turning students over to the police may be necessary to cut down on the losses, he said.

Although Zavelle said he is concerned about the increasing shoplifting, he is reluctant to end the Coop's informal policy with Harvard because of the damage which might result to students.

Arlo Does It

A permanent police record. Zavelle said, is "a very, very serious step." He illustrated the severity of even a minor criminal record by noting Arlo Guthrie's celebrated conviction for littering in the "Alice's Restaurant" epic. "Arlo would have a hell of a time getting into Law School now," he said.

Harvard's Ad Board also has been reviewing the long-standing policy, but will not make a decision until it can consult with representatives of a new student government council now being elected.

Zavelle said that the Coop will not act without consultation with the Ad Board and the Harvard community.