Oxford University in UK Warns Students: "Stop Taking the Dishes"

Operation of Voluntary Report and Return Period... Treated as Theft Afterwards
Calls to Stop Using Cups with Engraved Text

The world-renowned university, Oxford University in the UK, is struggling with the 'theft' of tableware. As the frequency of taking tableware as souvenirs increases, some colleges have announced that they will no longer use tableware engraved with the university crest, and the controversy is expected to continue.

According to The Times on the 8th (local time), Magdalen College at Oxford University recently warned students not to take items from dining halls or school facilities and is operating a voluntary reporting and return period.

The school's accounting officer stated in an email sent to students that "Recently, it has become common to take tableware from dining halls as souvenirs," adding, "Loss of forks, knives, and tableware is unacceptable and must not continue." He continued, "We will provide you with an opportunity to return the items you have taken, and until then, no responsibility will be imposed."

View of the campus of the University of Oxford in the UK.
Photo by AP Yonhap News

The officer gave students two days. He said, "We hope that items will be returned to the JCR dining hall by noon on Friday the 10th," and sternly warned, "If school property is found in students' belongings after that, it will be treated as theft."

Founded in 1458, Magdalen College was once attended by King Edward VIII of the UK and has produced notable figures such as writer Oscar Wilde, former UK Conservative Party leader William Hague, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt.

Earlier, last week, the same university's Balliol College announced that it would no longer use cups and coasters engraved with the university crest. This decision was reportedly due to the large number of students caught stealing items like cups. In an email to students, Balliol College expressed regret over the discontinuation of cups and coasters bearing the university crest, attributing it to some students' "extremely selfish behavior."

Founded in 1263, Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University and has produced alumni such as writer Aldous Huxley, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, MP Yvette Cooper, and biologist and author Richard Dawkins.

The news site The Tab reported that Oxford students have been stealing school tableware using backpacks and pockets. On one occasion, students caught stealing tableware during dinner were apprehended on the spot, leading to a search, but 20 cups remain missing. The school believes these cups have been stolen.