2009/02/18 - Longview police and high schools promote theft prevention through "lock it or lose it" poster contest for students

Press Release #: 09-13
Date: 2009/02/18
Contact: Officer Deborah Johnson - Longview Police Department
Phone: 360.442.5800

The Longview Police Department school resource officers are working with Mark Morris and R.A. Long high schools to reduce thefts on campus by co-sponsoring a student poster contest to promote a “lock it or lose it” message.

“Several students have left things unlocked and they’ve had things stolen recently, so maybe this is a way to bring some attention to the problem,” said LPD School Resource Officer Deborah Johnson.

Officer Johnson, assigned to Mark Morris High School, said numerous items such as I Pods, Nintendo Gameboys and cell phones, including the expensive I Phone, have been stolen on local school campuses lately.

The Longview Police Benefit Association (LPBA) donated $200 to be used for prize money in the contest. Johnson said LPBA will award $50 for first place winners at each of the two high schools, $30 for each second place and $20 for each third place.

Students must turn in their 11 x 17 posters by 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb.27. Mark Morris students should turn in their entries to Mr. Ruhter, and R.A. Long students should turn theirs in to Mr. Dollemore.

Poster entries must have the “lock it or lose it” theme incorporated into the artwork. Felt tip markers are preferred. Crayons and charcoal cannot be used because they cause problem when reproducing the posters.

Johnson suggested artists use bold, bright and contrasting colors, use large and easy to read letters, and keep the design simple. Slogans should be short and to the point. Only posters with appropriate language will be considered.

Johnson also noted that the posters should not include any particular holiday theme, and they cannot contain computer-generated pictures or cutouts.

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• Download Poster Contest Flyer