Thieving student
 

I recently bought an aviation book, brought it to the flight school I teach at and placed it on my desk. The very same day, the book went missing and I have a very strong feeling that one of my students stole it. A couple of days later I asked this student if he “had seen a book on my desk-” but before I could finish my sentence the student responded with, “I didn’t take no book”.
As a CFI, how would you address this situation?
I want to just say, “I know you have my book. Give it back.” And if he doesn't give it back, I'll kick him in the shins.
I really want my book back and I am finding it difficult to work with him knowing he stole from me.

Refuse to teach him. As an instructor I turned away/cut off a couple of students for various reasons. I don't know why everyone makes a big deal out of it.

Report the theft, suspect, and conversation to the Chief Instructor and ask the student be transferred to another instructor, if not simply terminated from the program.

Dishonesty does not go well with an aviation career.

If you're sure - how about an extra .2 ground until the book is paid for, then transfer him to another instructor?

Try this:

Put a note/flyer up that states:

Book Missing. Video surveillance footage shows the culprit. Before video is turned over to Police in 24 hours and you get arrested and a blemish put on your record, please return the book to where you found it. No questions asked.

Hint: Thief doesn't know if there was a camera or not! But, now set one up to record and you will know who took it. Does that student pilot want to risk his flying career being tarnished for stealing. When caught don't screw your career by getting charged with assault. Just ensure he slipped in the bathroom.

Was your name written on it? Etc...
 

Sorry about the loss of your book.
Before you kick anybody in the shins though, I was wondering-
You mention you bought an aviation book which subsequently went missing, right?
Can you describe the aviation book? Was it a rather rare title around your flight school, say something to do with aviation history, or an autobiography of someone lesser known?
Or was it some rather generic and common book, one that many instructors and/or students at your school would have? "Instrument Flight Theory" or something like that? Or some kind of manual for commonly used nav equipment or aircraft at your school?
Basically what I'm getting at here is maybe another student or instructor picked up a common book around your school (yours) but thought it was theirs? If so, I probably would not kick anybody in the shins, or spread bad blood around with accusations that are not provable probably.
Again, was your name on it if it was a common book around there?
Anyway, good luck finding your book.

Sorry you lost your book. I despise thieves. You have no evidence, so you're probably out one book. I've learned the hard way to never leave anyting around, always put my name on everything, and NEVER loan anything to anyone. I've lost so much stuff over the years from thieves and "loans" it makes me sick. I had one get mad at me from not returning a video after a year. She blamed me.

"Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot". Brand new with my name in big black bold Sharpie ink.

Yeah, I have my name on everything and my students know they can use my books ONLY in-house.
Though I have no evidence, I could just call his home and ask his wife and/or kids if they've seen my book laying around their house. Would they all lie for him? Hopefully not.