Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Friday, 08/07/09 and Tuesday, 08/11/09. CALHOUN HALL, #4 South Mall Theft: A black and grey colored Specialized Rock Hopper bicycle was stolen while it was “secured†with a cable lock to a bicycle rack located on the west side of the building. Loss value: $850.00. Occurred on 08/08/09 between 9:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Crime Prevention Tip: The word secured is in quotation marks as a cable lock secures a bicycle in name only – if you want to actually secure your bicycle, the UT Police Department's minimum recommendation is a quality u-lock. If you truly want your bicycle secured, use a u-lock and a cable lock at the same time. That forces the thief to carry and use two different devices to defeat both locks. GREGORY GYMNASIUM, 2101 Speedway Theft: A dark blue colored Blackberry cell phone and a brown leather wallet containing various identification cards, two debit cards, a gift card and $11 in cash were stolen when they were left on the 2nd floor bleachers while the owner played basketball. Loss value: $171.00. Occurred on 08/08/09 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Crime Prevention Tip: In this report, the victim stated he did not observe anyone “suspicious†in the area during the time frame of the theft. Most thieves rely on their ability to not look suspicious. In fact, most thieves who steal from gymnasiums will dress like they are there for a workout – some may actually take the time to get a good work-out in before they commit the theft. Several thefts occur by the basketball courts because thieves know people leave their valuables on the bleachers and they know how easy it is to sit down next to such property and casually steal items when they get up to walk away. Make sure you keep your valuables inside a locker that is secured with a quality key operated pad lock. Only take items to the gym that you need to take. O' HENRY HALL, 601 Colorado Street Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was observed attempting to assist a second non-UT subject as they walked along the road. The friend's efforts were not enough as the second subject fell to the ground. That subject then demonstrated a severe involuntary physical reaction to the over-consumption of an alcoholic beverage. That subject then demonstrated a difficulty maintaining his state of consciousness. That subject was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services needed to transport the subject to a local hospital for the treatment of alcohol poisoning. Occurred on 08/09/09 at 2:32 a.m. UNION BUILDING, #4 West Mall Theft: A Nike backpack containing various items, including an insurance card, driver's license and three credit cards was stolen while the backpack was left unattended inside a 2nd floor cafeteria for five minutes. While the police officer was en-route to take the report, the backpack was found inside a 2nd floor men's restroom. The insurance card, driver's license and three credit cards were stolen from the backpack. Occurred on 08/08/09 between 3:30 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. Crime Prevention Tip: This type of theft is a very common occurrence. Students often feel their property will not be stolen if they leave it unattended for just a few minutes. A thief only needs a few seconds to walk by property, pick it up and walk away. This case is an excellent example of that. In the five minute window of this theft, the thief stole the backpack, walked it into a restroom, rifled through the backpack, removed the wanted property and discarded the backpack which was then found by a staff member. All of this in five minutes. Think about that the next time you think about leaving your property unsecured to get a drink of water or use the restroom. Never leave your property unsecured. UNION BUILDING, #4 West Mall Theft / Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject approached a fountain drink dispenser in the 2nd floor Wendy's food court and filled an empty plastic bottle up with ice and Dr. Pepper from the fountain drink dispenser. The subject began to leave without paying for the drink. In addition to other law enforcement action taken, the subject was issued a written criminal trespass warning. Occurred on 08/08/09 at 11:57 p.m. UNION BUILDING, #4 West Mall Burglary of a Coin Operated Machine: The door to a sanitary napkin dispensing machine was bent away from the machine that was located inside a 3rd floor women's restroom. The machine's coin box was stolen from the machine. At the time of the report, the amount of loss was not known. Repair cost: $75.00. Occurred on 08/10/09 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. WALTER WEBB HALL, 2500 Guadalupe Assist Outside Agency / Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject was found camping on the east side of the building. The subject was found to have an outstanding outside agency arrest warrant for the consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a prohibited area. In addition to other law enforcement action taken, the subject was issued a written criminal trespass warning citation. Occurred on 08/07/09 at 4:23 a.m. 600 Colorado Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was found “passed out†on the hood of a parked car in a parking lot located at the intersection of 7th Street and Colorado. The subject stated he had identification, but that he could not find it. The subject was unaware of the time of day and must have believed there was a solar eclipse happening because he stated it was 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. When asked where he thought he was, the subject again claimed 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. The subject was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point he was deemed to be a danger to himself. Occurred on 08/08/09 at 3:00 a.m. 1900 San Jacinto Driving While License Invalid / Assist Outside Agency: A non-UT subject was stopped for an equipment violation and two traffic violations while driving a white Mitsubishi Eclipse. The subject was found to have been driving while his driver's license was suspended. The subject was also found to have four outstanding outside agency arrest warrants. I suppose you already guessed the warrants were for traffic violations. Occurred on 08/08/09 at 2:31 a.m. 2000 San Jacinto Public Intoxication: A UT student was observed staggering, “zig-zagging†and using every stationary object in the area to remain upright while trying to walk by the roadway. The subject was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others. Occurred on 08/08/09 at 1:45 a.m. 2300 San Jacinto Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor / Possession of Fictitious Driver License: A UT staff member, who was under the age of 21, was stopped after disregarding a stop sign while operating a bicycle. The staff member was found to be in possession of a fictitious driver's license that purported him to be over the age of 21. The staff member was found to have consumed an alcoholic beverage, but not to the point he was deemed to be a danger to himself or others. Occurred on 08/11/09 at 1:00 a.m. 2200 Speedway Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was being assisted by a UT student and two other non-UT subjects as they attempted to walk along the roadway. The subject who was in need of assistance was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point he was a danger to himself. In lieu of filing criminal charges, the subject was released to his three friends who agreed to assume care, custody and control of him. Occurred on 08/08/09 at 3:00 a.m. Crime Prevention / Safety Tip: A sober friend is a good thing to have with you when you go out for a night on the town. A sober friend can provide a great deal of protection. A good sober friend will keep you from doing anything dangerous while you are under the influence of alcohol. An astute sober friend will help you make sound choices while under the influence of alcohol. Any sober friend can keep you from going to jail while you are under the influence of alcohol. When a peace officer comes in contact with an intoxicated subject, the officer does not need to make an arrest. If the person is intoxicated to the point he or she is a danger to anyone, then the officer must do one of three things. Those things are: - Take the person into custody and book that person into jail - Send the intoxicated person to a hospital for the treatment of alcohol poisoning - Turn the intoxicated person over to a sober friend willing to assume responsibility for that person. 100 East 21st Street Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor / Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: A UT student was stopped after speeding while driving a blue GMC Acadia. The student was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, but not to the point he was deemed to be driving while intoxicated. The subject was also found to be in possession of a plastic bag containing marijuana, a glass pipe containing burned marijuana residue and papers used to make hand-rolled cigarettes. Occurred on 08/09/09 at 1:45 a.m. 400 East 23rd Street Assist Outside Agency: A UT student was stopped for speeding and failing to signal a turn while driving a silver colored Hyundai. The student was found to have an outstanding outside agency arrest warrant for driving with an expired registration. Occurred on 08/09/09 at 2:29 a.m. 200 East 24th Street Criminal Mischief: The driver's side window was broken out of a 1995 Honda Civic while the vehicle was parked on the north side of the roadway. No items were stolen from the vehicle. Repair cost: $150.00. Occurred on 08/09/09 between 7:00 p.m. and 8:50 p.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 10 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 (August 11, 2009) The University of Texas has developed its own emergency text messaging service. This program will replace the previous program offered through a private company. Make sure your son or daughter logs onto the following website to register their cellular telephone number to subscribe to this free service: http://www.utexas.edu/cellphonealert You will need to have a UT EID and password to logon to this website. While you are speaking with your son or daughter about their cell phone, make sure you point out the importance of them keeping their cell phone battery charged. They should carry their cell phone with them everywhere they go as they can call 9-1-1 free of charge from any cell phone. It will also be a good idea for them to program the UT Police Department Dispatch number into their cell phone. Our police dispatch number is 512-471-4441. Programming our number into their cell phone is important because dialing 9-1-1 in certain areas around campus may put the call through to the city police department which will slow the police department's response time by a minute or so. Please remember that any report of suspicious or criminal activity that leads to UTPD apprehending a thief will result in the police department delivering a free pizza to the reporting person, so make sure your son or daughter has their cell phone with them, the police department number is programmed into the cell phone and they are observant on campus. Their phone call could result in a free meal. To Do List (August 6, 2009) Now that you and your student have begun discussing concerns I would like to point out there are several programs that are available. The first program is a FREE Women's Self Defense titled RAD (Rape Aggression Defense.) This is a free 16 hour self defense class that is offered by the University of Texas Police Department. Current classes are now available on the UT police website at www.utexas.edu/police For the first time ever our department will be offering a RAD for Men. Contact Sgt. Laura Davis at 512-232-9611 for more information. To Do List (August 5, 2009) Yesterday's edition of the Campus Watch showed several alcohol related crimes. Every fall semester we see an increase in alcohol related crimes. Many of these cases involve the newest members of the UT family. Parents, take a moment before your child comes to campus to have a frank open discussion about alcohol related issues. I found a good article pertaining to this topic on the internet at: (http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/bolingbrook/opinions/x518448175/Editorial-Parents-need-to-talk-to-college-bound-kids-about-alcohol). Sadly, the legal ramifications of alcohol offenses are the least of one's worries when it comes to alcoholism, binge drinking and driving while intoxicated. The risk to one's own safety and the safety of society at large are far more important. To that end, learn the subject matter and have that discussion with your kids. As a father myself, I am hoping that kids do in fact listen. Over the course of this week, we will chronicle legal issues pertaining to alcohol. To Do List (August 4, 2009) Of the many alcohol issues that a student faces, while in college, the most troubling and under reported is Sexual Assault. For all parents, this is a huge concern. As Dr. Prince has pointed out, sit down and talk with your student. Talk about each of your concerns surrounding this issue. During this discussion, help them develop a “Game Plan†for their personal safety. The Game Plan Talking Points Your student's expectations at the party Your student's expectations of those they go to the party with The different types of drugs used to facilitate a Sexual Assault What to do if you begin to feel sleepy or pass out For more information on these Talking Points, contact the UT Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit, at 512-232-9634 or 512-232-9638. We are going to do something different this year. The following To Do List items are from the University Health Promotions office. Dr. Kevin Prince wanted to provide the following to the in-coming freshmen and their parents. To Do List (August 3, 2009) Talking Points – Alcohol & Other Drugs The Health Promotion Resource Center in the University Health Services helps UT students get and stay healthy with a variety of resources on nutrition, stress management, alcohol and other drugs, and other college health issues. Most services are free to UT students. There is a lending library on various college health issues as well as workshops, classes, and online educational programs. Contrary to popular myths, students really listen and value their parents' opinion on important issues concerning their safety and security. • Talking with your students about your expectations related to alcohol and drugs and behaviors related to how they treat others and your values is helpful toward making your expectations clear. • It is also important to provide a clear expectation about how you will be available and support them if any problems arise. • As a resource to parents, we welcome you to visit or consult with the various staff in departments such as University Health Services, Dean of Students Office, Counseling & Mental Health Center, and UT Learning Center, if there are questions about services, concerns about a student, or other issues. As reminder, you may recall that every incoming student is required to complete AlcoholEdu for College. There also is a new resource with parents in mind. • AlcoholEdu for Parents, an online program for parents or guardians of students who are participating in AlcoholEdu for College. • It is designed to support your conversations about alcohol that will help shape the decisions your college students make surrounding alcohol use. • AlcoholEdu for Parents offers parents non-opinionated information, key facts, and important resources that will help you have productive conversations that can impact your student's safety, decision-making, and personal development in college. To Do List (July 31,2009) Bicycle thefts are one of the highest reported crimes at UT as well as within the City of Austin. If is not the quality of the bicycle that is attracting the thief, it is the quality of the lock being used to secure the bike to the bike rack. Many of the reported stolen bikes, the former owner was using a self-locking cable lock. Consider looking into a two-lock locking system when securing your bicycle on campus. This locking system will incorporate a U-shaped lock that uses a flat key. The second lock used will be a self-locking cable lock. You are now requiring the thief to use two separate tools in order to steal your property. Now take a few minutes and go online and register your bicycle with UT Parking and Transportation: www.utexas.edu/parking/transportation/biking/bicycle_register.php The serial number is located on the sprocket of many of the bicycles. However you will see several sets of numbers, look for a number that begins with a letter followed by a long string of numbers. 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 47 alarm calls, 4 “Police Help†call box alarm activations, 1 fire alarm activation, 4 suspicious activity calls, 1 medical emergency assist, 1 lost, then found property, 11 public assist requests and 17 unsecured door reports between 08/07/09 and 08/11/09. 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
