CREDIT: MELISSA NOVACASKA
Missing Fs has become a growing trend at Fanshawe College Boulevard's and Cheapside entrance.

Yet another incident of missing Fs was reported which follows a popular trend over the last year.

Since summer 2016, reports of the missing letters have gone on in October, November and early December.

The Fanshawe logo, located on signs around the Fanshawe campus consist of four red Fs that have now left the cement stripped bare after the remaining components were removed by Fanshawe.

Steve Hartwick, crime prevention and community programming lead for Campus Security, believes the Fs were stolen as a keepsake of Fanshawe, a prank, or a way to show contempt towards the college.

“It's more disappointing than surprising. We'd like to think that certainly the students and the community at large respects the college and its property and doesn't want to see anything go wrong… It's got to stop,” Hartwick said.

Elaine Gamble, Fanshawe's senior manager of Corporate Communications, explained that currently discussions are being had with the company that installs the signs in regards to ways to replace the logos more securely compared to previous installations.

“We have to re-examine how the components of the North Star are reattached to the cement and it's a big challenge because they were beautiful looking and now they can't be there because people can't leave them alone,” Hartwick said.

Hartwick explained that it is unfortunate that what he believes could possibly be the same minority of people each time, have to ruin what is the trademark of the school.

“We really do believe that the vast majority of the students here at the college are good people and we're hoping that one of those people will come forward with some information for us… I think it's one or two people who have taken it into their might to do, and even they may be regretting it,” Hartwick said.

Hartwick explained that setting up security cameras wouldn't be possible due to the challenge of the signs being in public domain. Also, the cameras needed for such a job would be expensive.

Hartwick explained the severity of the situation; that the theft is a criminal offence with up to a $5,000 fine and potentially six months in jail. Then there is also the possibility of expulsion from the college.

“We believe someone here at the college knows what's going on… somebody knows where some of, if not all of the components of the North Star have gone. I would ask them to contact us and if they wish to remain anonymous. They can contact Crime Stoppers…and Crime Stoppers will let us know,” Hartwick said.

The Middlesex London Crime Stoppers number is (519) 661-8477.