With an apartment lacking a washing machine and my busy schedule, I often neglect the chore of laundry as long as possible, which contributes to my outrageous shopping habits. But last Thursday night when I finally made the journey to the laundromat, dragging my three bundles, I experienced a tragedy I had before only heard horror stories of.

Having to rewash my third load, I ran home to put other clothes away. Upon my return, I noticed the washer was opened and time still remained in the cycle. I looked inside and my clothes were gone.

I looked around the previously vacant laundromat and in two nearby machines, although I was certain I was at the right washer. I glanced at a couple, the only other people in the place, with a look of puzzlement.

“Do you see my clothes anywhere?”

The man looked around, walked over to one of the garbage cans and asked, “Are those your clothes?”

And they were. He said a couple of “college kids” just left and that “pranksters” probably stole my clothes.

I didn’t believe it. The place was empty, the cycle was still going, I hadn’t left for long, no one needed the machine, so why would someone throw my clothes in the garbage? How cruel.

The man offered to pay for my load, but I kindly declined his offer, took my clothes and hopped back into my car.

In an aggravated state, now having to pay for wash number three for this load of clothes and having to spend more than an hour extra at the laundromat, I return with more money, load the clothes and notice something.

Clothes are missing. I’ve been a victim of laundry larceny! How could this be? Who would steal my two ratty old sweatshirts?

I frantically called two friends in my state of total disbelief and panic. They mostly laughed and said it happens all the time both in the dorms and at laundromats. My items stolen may be laughable, but theft is common? Laughable? And accepted?

During the third and final 26-minute cycle I found myself pacing and circling the scene, analyzing the crime against launder much like Nancy Drew. Was this crime committed by students or the couple who just left? Could it have been “pranksters?” My other clothes were left in the trash (unlaundered, don’t forget), and who would steal a dirty old sweatshirt for purposes other than a prank?

Seven minutes left of the cycle.

But, on the other hand, why was the couple able to find my clothes in the trash in the exact trash can so soon? Why did the man immediately offer to pay for my next load? Why did he quickly say he saw some kids in there before them?

One minute to go.

How could this have happened? I don’t even visit the laundromat much, and aren’t those video cameras in the corner?

With the rumble of the cycle coming to an end, so ended my insanity. I know I was in a sleep-deprived state, but I couldn’t believe how worked up this had gotten me. It wasn’t about the sweatshirts (they are actually my out-of-laundry attire). No time soon would I take out an ad saying: “Wanted: one much admired and desired white hoodie with the collar cut and a faded coffee stain just above the center pocket. Reward negotiable.”

But it’s the principle behind the theft that angered me. Thefts of any property committed by and to Eastern students in dorms, at the rec and even in laundromats/rooms, whether drunken pranks or just plain sober stealing, should not be common or accepted behavior at Eastern.