At a glance
"UPD could not get a statement from our mascot Big Blue.
But the action was on video, so officers knew just what to do.
When tracked down, all agreed their choices were unwise.
Mortified and embarrassed, the suspects did apologize.
The wreath was recovered, have no fear. -- Its triumphant return is reason to cheer!"
Fitting of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Alfred State College (ASC) was the scene of a petty theft this season.
The crime occurred when in the pre-dawn hours, a driver stopped their car, turned on their flashers, and stole the holiday wreath adorning the college’s mascot “Big Blue” at the main entrance.
While officers take every case seriously, on this occasion, here is how the University Police Department (UPD) tells the rest of the story:
-That morning, many students and staff saw something was taken.
-But through it all, our community spirit could not be shaken!
-UPD could not get a statement from our mascot Big Blue.
-But the action was on video, so officers knew just what to do.
-When tracked down, all agreed their choices were unwise.
-Mortified and embarrassed, the suspects did apologize.
-The wreath was recovered, so that the village has no fear.
-Its triumphant return had cars honking on Main Street to cheer!
-The grinches could have been arrested and taken away.
-But in the spirit of the holidays, they were shown grace on this day.
-Let this be a reminder to respect others’ property and stay in line.
-A lesson was learned to love others and keep the holidays a good time.
The driver is not associated with the college but was tracked down in a nearby village. Alfred State hopes this event will remind the public that officers have access to an extensive camera network to protect the community. ASC takes the safety and security of the campus very seriously.
Being honest, accountable, and acknowledging remorse is important in criminal investigations. University Police work hard to build partnerships of respect and trust between officers and citizens that must be shared on both sides. In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, "Christmas Day will always be, just as long as we have we."