Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Tuesday, 02/09/10 and Wednesday, 02/10/10. ****Administrative Message**** I have heard from some Campus Watch readers that they did not receive Monday's edition of the campus Watch. I have added Monday's entries to the bottom of today's edition. ALMETRIS DUREN RESIDENCE HALL, 2624 Whitis Scam: A UT student reported being approached by a subject wearing a polo shirt with a logo to a national electronics store chain. The subject claimed to be an employee of that chain store and needed to sell a high end surround sound speaker system at a discounted rate as the store had over-ordered the product. The student made an offer for $220.00 for the speaker system and the transaction was completed. After purchasing the speaker system, the student conducted an on-line search or the product brand and quickly discovered he had been the victim of a scam. The subject was described as a white male in his mid 20's, thin build, 6' tall, with brown hair, green eyes, and wearing a blue polo style shirt. The subject was driving a brown Ford Explorer. Occurred on 02/09/10 at 6:44 PM. Crime Prevention Tip: Caveat emptor which means “Let the buyer beware.†This Latin phrase is true today (or at least yesterday at 6:44 PM) just as it was true hundreds of years ago. You should always be weary of someone selling items out of the back of a plane, train or automobile. I do not know of any warranty or guarantee of service or product that is achieved from a trunk or tailgate sale. If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If you ever find yourself tempted by such a deal, ask to see the product out of the box so you can examine it, ask if you can see the exact item you are purchasing demonstrated. Ask the seller for contact information so you can check research the item before you make the purchase. I venture to say a scam artist will provide you with a fictitious number or will refuse to give you a number outright. And again, try to refrain from buying anything from the back of a car. JESSE H. JONES COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, Building B, 2504 Whitis Suspicious Activity: A UT student advised an unknown subject, who appeared to have been intoxicated, approached her in a 3rd floor computer lab and asked if he could sit next to her. The subject then sat down and began to ask the student several personal questions that made the student feel uncomfortable. When the subject left, the student followed the subject out of the building, but did not call the police on the advice of a friend. Occurred on 02/09/10 at 11:02 PM. Crime Prevention Tip: There are a few items I would like to point out with this case. First and foremost, if you ever feel uncomfortable in a situation, change your situation. The most effective way of doing that is to leave the situation. IF you are fearful the person making you feel uncomfortable may follow you, then be prepared to either draw attention to yourself, seek help from others in the area or to simply run. In this case, the student did have a friend with her, which is a great idea as there is generally safety in numbers. Of course, I would not be doing my job if I failed to advise everyone that if you are in a situation that makes you feel uncertain or concerned for your safety, do not hesitate to call the police. We are here for you. T.S. PAINTER HALL, 103 West 24th Street Theft: An Apple i-Pod touch was stolen after it was left on the floor of a 2nd floor classroom. The owner of the i-Pod used an online networking site for her class to ask her classmates for any information regarding the i-pod. Loss value: $300.00. Occurred on 02/03/10 between 12:40 PM and 1:00 PM UFCU DISCH-FALK FIELD, 1300 East MLK Criminal Trespass: A non-UT subject was reported as pulling on the exterior doors to the stadium before climbing over an 8' fence to enter the stadium. The subject was taken into custody for criminal trespass. Occurred on 02/10/10 at 2:10 AM. WOOLDRIDGE HALL, 600 West 24th Street Graffiti: Green paint was used to draw an image on a sheet metal fence located on the west side of the building. Removal cost: $50.00. Occurred between 02/08/10 at 12 noon and 02/09/10 at 7:30 AM. 2500 Whitis Public Intoxication: UT Police Officers responded to a report of a disturbance where they observed two males engaged in a verbal argument. One of the two subjects was found to have extreme difficulty standing and answering simple questions. When the non-UT subject was asked where he was and what time he believed it to be, the subject replied “Congress at 14th Street†and that it was “1 or 2 in the morning. That subject was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point he was deemed to have been a danger to himself and others. Occurred on 02/09/10 at 10:07 PM. CAMPUS WIDE: Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 15 alarm calls, 2 fire alarm activations, 1 welfare concern report and 2 suspicious activity reports between 02/09/10 and 02/10/10. Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Friday, 02/05/10 and Monday, 02/08/10. JESTER CENTER ACADEMIC, 201 East 21st Street Disorderly Conduct (Fighting in Public) / Assault: Two UT students began to argue inside the Wendy's Restaurant. The argument turned physical after a friend of one of the students stepped in. After the “melee†it was determined that one of the two original students, who found herself staving off two attackers had received several strikes. To make the assault even colder, one of the other two students had thrown a Wendy's Frosty at her as well. Occurred on 02/07/10 at 3:22 AM. JESTER CENTER EAST, 203 East 21st Street Minor in Possession of Alcohol / Possession of Marijuana / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: While investigating a report of the smell of marijuana, a UT Police Officer located a student, who was under the age of 21, inside a 9th floor room. That student was found to be in possession of two bottles containing alcoholic beverage. A prescription pill bottle containing .03 ounces of marijuana was found inside the room. Based on the name listed on the prescription, the bottle and marijuana belonged to the student's roommate. A homemade object that is commonly used to “mask†the odor of burning marijuana was also found in the room. Obviously this object was not effective in masking such an odor. Occurred on 02/04/10 at 5:15 PM. JESTER CENTER WEST, 201 East 21st Street Theft: A black and white Nokia cellular telephone was stolen after it was left on a pool table located in the basement level recreational room. The cellular telephone was stolen while the owner played pool at a neighboring pool table. Loss value: $125.00. Occurred on 02/07/10 between 12:30 AM and 1:00 AM. JESTER CENTER WEST, 201 East 21st Street Public Intoxication: Three UT students, who were all under the age of 21, were reported as having walked into the lobby – well, two had walked in and one had staggered in rather pronouncedly. That student had difficulty standing and required a seat. The three students had been at a nearby multi-resident house where the inebriated student had consumed a great deal of a “punch type drink†while spending time with an unknown male subject. The student was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point she needed to be transported by Austin-Travis County EMS to a local hospital. Occurred on 02/06/10 at 3:15 AM. Safety Tip: Behold; the value of a sober friend. In this case, the friend removed the student from the party where the student had obviously consumed too much alcohol and was with an unknown male subject. That situation could have ended differently had the friend not recognized the dire situation the student was in and removed her from the party. When you go out, bring a sober friend with you. Make a pact with that person to ensure you do not leave the party with anyone else and that your sober friend will take you home if you find it difficult to limit your alcohol consumption. JESTER CENTER WEST, 201 East 21st Street Public Intoxication: A UT student, who was under the age of 21, was reported as being assisted to the dormitory by another UT student, who was also under the age of 21. The student in need of assistance was also in need of a dry cleaner, as he had evidence of his night's consumables down the front of his clothing. That student 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 02/06/10 at 3:42 AM. NORMAN HACKERMAN BUILDING, 100 East 24th Street Theft: A Samsung Convoy cellular telephone was stolen when it was left at a 5th floor work station. Loss value: $150.00. Occurred on 02/06/10 between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM. PARKING LOT 106, 2100 Chicon Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject was reported as asking people for money when they got out of their parked cars. The subject was located and was issued a written criminal trespass warning. Occurred on 02/05/10 at 7:37 AM. ROBERT LEE MOORE HALL, 2515 Speedway Theft: An orange and white Novarra Forza bicycle was stolen while it was “secured†with a cable lock to a bicycle rack located on the west of the building. Loss value: $550.00. Occurred on 02/05/10 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. TRINITY GARAGE, 1815 Trinity Burglary of Motor Vehicle: The left rear window of a Dodge passenger van was broken out while the van was parked on the 4th level of the garage. Two MP3 players were stolen from the vehicle. Repair cost: $300.00. Loss value: $250.00. Occurred on 02/07/10 between 11:00 AM and 3:45 PM. Crime Prevention Tip: Recently, there has been a spike in auto burglaries at this parking garage. While the police department has stepped up patrols in this garage, there are things you can do to help prevent further burglaries in the garage. First and foremost, keep the doors to your vehicle closed and locked. Make sure the windows are rolled up. You should never, ever leave any property inside your vehicle. Even a power cord to a radar detector, cell phone or GPS system could attract a thief. Most auto burglars break into cars when they can see items they want to steal, so take your property with you. Be observant of what is happening around you. Be mindful of someone looking into parked cars or driving slowly past open parking spaces or stopping in a lane of traffic. If you see anything that raises your suspicions, immediately call the UT Police Department at 512-471-4441. UNION BUILDING, #4 West Mall Criminal Trespass / Failure to Identify: A non-UT subject was reported as loitering in a 3rd floor area after the subject was asked to leave the area by Union Building staff members. When the subject was stopped, he pretended he did not speak English. When that rouse was discovered, the subject provided a fictitious name in English. When the subject's correct name was learned, it was determined that the subject had previously been issued a written criminal trespass warning citation. Occurred on 02/05/10 at 1:54 AM. 2300 San Jacinto Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was stopped after staggering into a wall and displaying an extreme difficulty with standing. When asked how much he had to drink, the subject replied, “enough…too much.†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 02/0610 at 3:21 AM. CAMPUS WIDE: Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 34 alarm calls, 5 “Police Help†call box activations, 9 unsecured door reports, 6 public assist requests 1 welfare concern report, 1 stuck elevator, 1 medical emergency assist and 1 suspicious activity report between 02/05/10 and 02/08/10. To view a map of the campus visit: http://www.utexas.edu/parking/maps/index.html Emergency Text Message Service 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 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. Campus Safety and Security at (512) 471-5767. 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. 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/ 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 William R. Pieper at 512-232-9638 or via e-mail to photocop@mail.utexas.edu Prepared by WRP To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php
