Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Tuesday, 07/28/09 and Wednesday, 07/29/09. ****Administrative Message**** The University of Texas at Austin and its police department are responsible for notifying faculty, staff, and students of emergency situations (e.g., inclement weather, building evacuations, campus closures, etc.). The University employs a wide variety of tools to make sure everyone on campus is informed during an emergency event—including text messaging. In order to accomplish emergency text messaging more effectively, the university is collecting cell phone numbers from members of our campus community. Effective August 26, 2009, this database of cell phone numbers will be used for emergency text messages. Please fill complete the form at http://www.utexas.edu/cellphonealert so you will become an integral part of this important emergency notification system and help the university to achieve the highest standards of campus and community safety. Your cell phone number will not be used for any other purpose. If you require any additional information regarding this service, please contact Campus Safety and Security at (512) 471-5767. GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, 100 East 21st Street Theft: Four six foot long self illuminated push rods were stolen from a 5th floor workroom. The push rods are generally used to assist in installing cables in walls. Loss value: $100.00. Occurred on 07/28/09 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. PARKING LOT 104, 1900 North IH 35 Graffiti: Blue spray paint was used to write letters on a light post located near the parking lot's bus stop. Removal cost: $35.00. Discovered on 07/28/09 at 11:41 p.m. Just for Your Knowledge: Did you know committing an act of graffiti on the campus of a public university in Texas is a Felony grade offense? That means if someone is caught spray painting, using an indelible marker or even an etching tool to mark UT property that person is subject to spending a year in prison – not jail; prison. Aside from that, graffiti is a costly crime to clean-up. Every time a graffiti case is listed in the Campus Watch, think of the minimum $35.00 cost of removing the graffiti. Often times, graffiti abatement can cost $50 to $100 to remove. I think we can all agree the money needed to remove graffiti could be put to better use on a college campus. If you see anyone committing an act of graffiti, don't hesitate – call UTPD at 512-471-4441. WEST PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS, 3925 West Braker Theft: A Dell 2400 MP digital projector was stolen from an unsecured 1st floor office. The theft was discovered during a regular property inventory check. Prior to reporting the theft to the police department, the caretaker of the property distributed several e-mails to staff members requesting the location and return of the projector. Occurred between April of 2009 and May of 2009. Crime Prevention Tip: Often times, the speed in which a crime is brought to the attention of the police department plays a huge role in the police department's ability to solve the crime and prevent future crimes from happening in the same area. Anytime you suspect a crime has been or is about to be committed, do not hesitate to call the police. 2400 Robert Dedman Driving While License is Invalid / Assist Outside Agency: A non-UT subject was stopped for speeding while driving a green Chevrolet Malibu. The subject was found to have several active driver's license suspension and two outstanding outside agency arrest warrants for what else, but traffic violations. Occurred on 07/28/09 at 6:50 a.m. Crime Prevention Tip of the Day: For the parents of this year's incoming freshman class, the countdown for the fall 2009 semester has started. There are 22 days left before the first day of Moove-In. There are several things that you can start doing to get your student ready. Each day we will be increasing your To Do List as the fall semester gets closer. Today's To Do List (July 29, 2009): Has your student marked all of their property with a State issued driver's license or ID number? Such items like their laptop computer, IPod, cellular telephone, gaming system, and ladies, your Chi need this State issued DL or ID number engraved on two surfaces that are plainly visible. Remember, property thefts are the number 1 crime at UT. Engravers can be checked out from most police departments throughout the State of Texas. If you wait until Moove-In you can check out an engraver from the UT Police Department or from an on-campus dormitory. CAMPUS WIDE: Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 17 alarm calls, 1 “Police Help†call box activation, 2 public assist requests, 7 light malfunction reports and 9 unsecured door reports between 07/28/09 and 07/29/09. 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 cover 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 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php
