Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department between Wednesday, 07/27/11 and Thursday, 07/28/11. BELMONT HALL, 2109 San Jacinto Blvd. Assist Outside Agency: Several UT Police Officers responded to the 10th floor on a report of a suspicious person in the area. Officers located the non-UT subject and learned he had several outstanding Outside Agency arrest warrants. The subject was taken into custody for the warrants and transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 7-27-11, at 9:53 AM. BRACKENRIDGE APARTMENTS, 3350 Lake Austin Blvd. Criminal Trespass Warning (5 Counts): A UT staff member notified the UT Police Department he had witnessed several subjects jump a fence and enter into a restricted area. During the investigation, the officers located several subjects and issued them Criminal Trespass Warnings and escorted them from the area. Occurred on: 7-27-11, at 1:43 PM. MANOR PARKING GARAGE, 2017 Robert Dedman Drive Burglary of Motor Vehicle: A UT student discovered her Tom Tom GPS system, silver Tiffany ring, softball glove and Easton softball bag had been stolen from her vehicle parked on the 3rd level. During the investigation, the officer learned the student discovered the driver’s door on her Nissan Pathfinder was found unlocked. Loss value: $225.00. Occurred on: 7-27-11 between 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS POLICE DEPARTMENT, 2201 Robert Dedman Suspicious Activity: A non-UT subject contacted the University Police to report a “neighbor” had found a bicycle that was registered with the UT Parking and Transportation. During the investigation, the officers were able to locate the registered owner and discovered the bicycle had been stolen over a year ago at an off campus location. The bicycle had not been reported stolen to the Austin Police Department. Occurred on: 7-27-11, at 10:02 AM. Crime Prevention Tip: Only two victims out of five will take the time to report the crime to the police. Many criminals are aware of this fact. Had this property been reported stolen to the police several things would have happened. The property would have been entered into a crime data base. Once entered other officers would become aware the property was stolen. Taking the time to register your property and engraving your State issued DL or ID number creates a win win for you and the police. The officer can run your DL or ID number and contact you to check on the status of your property. Crime Prevention Tip of the Day: For the parents of this year's incoming freshman class, the countdown for the fall 2011 semester has started. There are 20 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. To Do List 7-28-11 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 7-27-11 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. To Do List 7-26-11 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. Sit down and talk with your student. Talk about each of your concerns surrounding this issue. During this discussion, help your student 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. To Do List 7-25-11 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 7-22-11 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 only 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; a self-locking cable lock. The U-shaped lock will secure the bike to the bike rack. The self-locking cable lock secures the rear tire to the bike frameYou 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 7-21-11 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 hair straighter also needs 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. Last year we launched a new program that allows you to register your property on-line. Registering your property is very helpful in theft investigations and in returning lost property to its rightful owner. Without identifying information, recovering stolen property is virtually impossible. Logon to https://www.utexas.edu/police/property/ to register your property The University of Texas Police Department responded to 15 Alarm Calls, 2 Medical Calls, 2 Suspicious Activity Reports, 2 Suspicious Person Report, 1 Burned Out Light Report, and 3Unsecured Door Reports between 07/27/11 and 07/28/11. To view a map of the campus visit: http://www.utexas.edu/parking/maps/index.html Are you a Fan of the University of Texas Police Department? Come join us on Face Book at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/utaustinpolice 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 DWH To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php
