Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Tuesday, 12/09/08 and Thursday, 12/11/08. If you have any information pertaining to any of these cases or other criminal or suspicious activity, please contact the UT Police Department at 512-471-4441. Winter Break Security Considerations All across campus there are so many individuals dreaming of what this winter break may bring. A new bike, a laptop or desktop computer, a cell phone, a car stereo or maybe a digital camera – the wish list just grows and grows. You may be thinking I am referring to our young students who dream of visits by Santa, but I am actually thinking of the many thieves who are shopping in the libraries, bicycle racks, office suites and parking lots on campus. They are looking for an easy holiday acquisition. As the semester winds down, take a few moments to examine the security of your property. Before you finish your last final consider if you are placing your property at risk. Never leave your property unattended – not even for a few seconds to get a drink of water. Remember the thieves are doing their style of shopping and their “purchase†requires no money or credit and only takes a second or two. Before you leave campus, make a check list of things you need to do. Your list should include - securing your valuables within your residence - bringing your bicycle inside your residence - installing rail locks on your windows and sliding glass doors - checking out an electric timer form the police department (a timer causes your lights to turn on and off at a set time giving the appearance you are in your residence) - cleaning out your car if you are leaving it in Austin or preparing your car for travel. That means - having your car's belts and hoses checked for wear - Checking the air pressure in your car's tires for proper inflation - getting the oil changed if near the due time - placing the following items in your vehicle for travel: - a blanket - a roll of paper towels - a gallon sized bottle of water to use in the event your car overheats - bottled water for drinking - a flashlight and extra batteries - a road hazard triangle - a charger for your cell phone - map to your travel destination - granola bars in the vent you become stranded ART BUILDING, 2301 San Jacinto Theft: An MP3 speaker system and a green and tan colored tackle box containing various paint brushes and paints was stolen from a 4th floor studio. Loss value: $420.00. Occurred between 12/0508 at 5:00 a.m. and 12/09/09 at 2:46 p.m. AT&T EXECUTIVE EDUCATION & CONFERENCE CENTER, 1900 University Theft: A Dell laptop computer was stolen when it was left inside an unsecure 2nd floor conference room. Loss value: $1,000.00. Occurred on 12/10/08 between 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. AT&T EXECUTIVE EDUCATION & CONFERENCE CENTER, 1900 University Theft: A black fuax fur coat was stolen when it was left on a coat hook in the lobby while the owner attended a luncheon. Loss value: $450.00. Occurred on 12/10/08 between 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. ERNST COCKRELL Jr HALL, 301 East Dean Keeton Theft: An orange colored bag containing a Sony Ericson cell phone, two spiral notebooks, a textbook, a Visa bankcard, a Texas Instruments calculator and a pair of Sony headphones was stolen when the bag was left unsecured while the owner went to use the facilities. Loss value: $350.00. Reported on 12/10/08 at 4:27 p.m. JACK S. BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART, 1900 Speedway Criminal Mischief / Criminal Trespass Warning: Two non-UT subjects were observed doing skateboard tricks on two metal light fixtures located on the west side of the museum. The tricks caused damage to the fixtures. In addition to other law enforcement action taken, both subjects were also issued written criminal trespass warning citations. Repair cost: $380.00. Occurred on 12/09/08 at 6:00 p.m. JESSE H. JONES COMMUNICATIONS CENTER – Building A, 2504 Whitis Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject was reported as loitering in the 3rd floor lobby after when the building was closed to the public. The subject was issued a written criminal trespass warning and escorted form the building. Occurred on 12/11/08 at 1:20 a.m. JESTER CENTER ACADEMIC, 203 East 21st Street Theft: A Sony Vaio laptop computer was stolen from a 3rd floor office. Loss value: $1,200.00. Occurred between 12/08/08 at 5:00 p.m. and 12/09/08 at 9:00 a.m. PERRY-CASTANEDA LIBRARY, 101, East 21st Street Theft: A black cell phone case containing a Blackberry Pearl cellular telephone and a Toshiba laptop computer were stolen when the items were left on a 5th floor table. Loss value: $1,205.00. Occurred on 12/10/08 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. PETER T. FLAWN ACADEMIC CENTER, #2 West Mall Criminal Trespass Warning / Assist Outside Agency: A non-UT subject was observed loitering in the library after the building was closed to the public. The subject was issued a written criminal trespass warning. The subject was also found to have an outstanding outside agency arrest warrant for simple assault. Occurred on 12/10/08 at 3:49 a.m. 300 East Dean Keeton Assault: At approximately 10 p.m. last night at a bus stop on Dean Keeton, a female UT student was assaulted. An unknown male grabbed her from behind and pulled her backward. They both fell to the ground and then fled in opposite directions. The victim did not get a look at her assailant but this is another in a series of assaults at bus stops in the campus area. The suspect in the previous assaults is described as a Hispanic male, in his 20's, 6′0″ tall, slightly heavy build, short black hair (possibly combed back on top), light complexion, and clean shaven. A sketch of the suspect is available at http://www.utexas.edu/police/alerts/ If you have any information about this or previous attacks, please contact UTPD at 471-4441. Crime Prevention Tips: - Always travel with others; there is safety in numbers. - Keep your cell phone with you as it serves as immediate contact with the police department. 9-1-1 is a free call and can not be blocked even if you do not have a phone service. - Be aware of your surroundings. Take a few seconds periodically to look around. If you see something that makes you feel uncomfortable, then leave the area. The best way to avoid an attack is to flee the area. - Pepper spray is an inexpensive, handy self-defense tool. If you choose to carry pepper spray then do just that, carry it. It does not do good to have it in your backpack or purse. - Invest your time in your own protection. Sign up for the free Rape Aggression Defense course offered by UT PD. To sign up for the course, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/rad/ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD & IH-35 Evading: A UT officer attempted to stop a 1998 Volvo for driving without its headlamps turned on at night. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop the vehicle and led the officers on a short lived tour form the west side of IH-35 to just east of IH-35. Once the vehicle finally did yield, a passenger of the vehicle exited the car and fled on foot. The driver of the vehicle, a non-UT subject, was then taken into custody. There was a strong odor of burned marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Occurred on 12/10/08 at 1:45 a.m. CAMPUS WIDE: Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 52 alarm calls, 1 medical emergency assist, 2 public assist requests, 1 suspicious package report, 1 disturbance report, 1 suspicious odor report, 4 unsecured door reports, 1 welfare concern report and 2 suspicious activity reports between 12/09/08 and 12/11/08. If you are a faculty or staff member that has been affected by a crime, the UT Employee Assistance Program (471-3366) is available for counseling and referrals to other appropriate services. http://www.utexas.edu/hr/eap/ To view a map of the campus visit: http://www.utexas.edu/parking/maps/index.html RAD Program For Women, Now Available (Classes are FREE) Advanced RAD Classes Being Held for RAD Class Graduates The RAD program is a 16-hour course of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women that covers assault prevention and risk reduction while progressing on to basic hands-on defense training. http://www.utexas.edu/police/rad/ Defensive Driving: Learn Defensive Driving from a UTPD Police Officer. UTPD generally schedules a Defensive Driving Class approximately once a month – based on need. The classes meet in the University Police Building, Room 1.318, located at 2201 Robert Dedman Dr (east of Memorial Stadium). The cost for the course is $25.00 (check or cash) payable on class date. If paying in cash, please bring the exact amount because change may not be available. You will also need to bring your driver's license. For more information, to check for the next available class time or to register on-line go to: http://www.utexas.edu/police/services/defensive_driving.php Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) The Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) is a partnership among the Office of the Dean of Students, Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). BCAL provides a central resource for UT faculty, students, and staff who may have concerns about the behavior or well-being of another member of the campus community. By calling BCAL at 512-232-5050, callers may talk with trained staff members who will assist the caller in exploring available options and strategies as well as referrals to appropriate campus support networks. For more information on BCAL, visit the BCAL Web site at www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal or call 512-232-5050. Contact UT Police at 471-4441 if you have any information regarding any of the above incidents or call 911 regarding suspicious persons, suspicious activities or crime. Your call may help solve or prevent a crime. Campus Watch comments should be directed to Officer Darrell Halstead at 512-232-9634 or via e-mail to Darrell.halstead@austin.utexas.edu . Prepared by WRP ISA To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php
