Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Tuesday, 06/01/10 and Wednesday, 06/02/10. *****ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE ****** Are you a Fan of the University of Texas Police Department? Come join us on Face Book at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/utaustinpolice MAIN BUILDING, #1 South Mall Credit Card Abuse: A UT staff member reported several unauthorized charges in the amount of $2,151.93 were made on her credit card at stores located in South Texas. The staff member was in possession of the credit card that was used to make the charges. Reported on 06/01/10 at 8:35 AM. Crime Prevention Tip Credit card abuse is a rapidly growing crime. Many think that someone needs to steal the actual card before they can use it to make fraudulent charges. This is not the case. Thieves only need the information contained on the card to make fraudulent charges over the phone or internet. Some thieves even have the ability to imprint your credit card information onto a blank card and then use the new fraudulent card to make in-person purchases. This being said, it is not enough to protect the physical card itself, you need to mindful of your credit card information as well. Consider the following when it comes to protecting your card: - When shopping, keep your credit card in sight. If a sales clerk needs to take the card to a different register, then you should escort the clerk to the other register. It only takes a few seconds for a clerk to jot down your credit card information, take a cell phone picture of your card or use a card reader to register the card information. - When your credit card is returned to you by a sales clerk, promptly place the card back in your wallet or purse. Other “shoppers†in the area could take a cell phone photograph of your card as it sits on the counter or even in your hand. - When paying for a meal at a restaurant, check the card as soon as it gets back to your table. Credit cards can easily get mixed up by wait staff working at such a fast pace. - Do not leave your credit card unattended in your office, at the gym or in your car. Many thieves will not steal your credit cards in such locations, they simply write the information down for later use. - Never give your credit card information out over the phone when anyone calls you. The only time you should give your credit card information out over the phone is when you place the call to make a purchase from a reputable business. - Check the privacy policies of on-line companies you deal with. You should never do on-line business with a company that shares sales information with other companies. Sometimes that information is more than your name and contact information. - Keep a record of your credit card information, such as the card number and telephone number of the company in a secure location. - Check your credit card statement monthly and look for any suspicious charges. If you find a suspicious charge, then you need to contact your credit card company and challenge the charge. - Report any lost or stolen credit cards to your credit card company as soon as possible. SARAH M. & CHARLES E. SEAY BUILDING, 108 East Dean Keeton Theft: A wallet containing $500.00 in cash, a checkbook, a PDA cover and a car key was stolen from an unsecured 2nd floor office. Loss value: $521.00. Occurred on 06/01/10 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. T.U. TAYLOR HALL, #8 East Mall Theft: An Epson Powerlite projector was stolen from an unsecured 3rd floor room. Loss value: $1,500.00. Occurred between 05/28/10 and 06/01/10. UNION BUILDING, #4 West Mall Criminal Mischief: An unknown person(s) removed pieces of a window pane bracket and removed the window insert to an exterior door located on the east side of the building. At the time of the report, it was unknown if entry into the building was made or if there was any other criminal activity related to this case. Replacement cost: $50.00. Occurred between 05/28/10 at 5:00 PM and 06/01/10 at 7:00 AM. W.R. WOOLRICH LABRATORIES, 210 East 24th Street Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject who had been seen by staff members sleeping in the building on several previous occasions was found using a computer inside a 1st floor computer laboratory. The subject was issued a written criminal trespass warning and escorted from the building. Occurred on 06/01/10 at 9:03 PM. CAMPUS WIDE: Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, the University of Texas Police Department responded to 15 Alarm Calls, 1 Fire Alarm Activation, 1 Accidental Damage Report, 2 Suspicious Activity Reports, 2 Found Property Reports and 5 Unsecured Door Reports between 06/01/10 and 06/02/10. 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 Darrell Halstead at 512-232-9634 or via e-mail to darrell.halstead@austin.utexas.edu Prepared by WRP TAG To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php\
