Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department between Friday, 07/29/11 and Monday 08/01/11. AT&T CONFERENCE CENTER, 1900 University Ave Burglary of Habitation: A non-UT subject discovered a plastic bag containing shampoo, tanning lotion, lip gloss, tweezers, and bottles of personal medications missing from a secured 6th floor hotel room. During the investigation, the officers learned the bag had been left in plain view next to the sink and the room had been unoccupied for several hours. Loss value: unknown at this time. Occurred between: 7-28-11 at 1:00 PM and 7-29-11 at 1:00 AM. IC2, 2815 San Gabriel Suspicious Person: A UT staff member discovered a UT student sleeping next to the front door as he arrived to work. During the investigation, the responding officers located the same student still curled up next to the door. After having his slumber disturbed, the student informed the officers he had been to a local downtown establishment celebrating a friend’s 21st birthday. He did not remember all of the details from the night before, but he did remember seeing IC2 and knew it was a UT building. The officers noted the student was no longer intoxicated and did not present a danger to himself or to others. The student left the area after receiving a referral to the Dean of Student’s office. Occurred on: 7-29-11, at 7:51 AM. UNION BUILDING, #4 West Mall Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject was reported to have been approaching students and asking them for money or food. During the investigation, the officers located the subject sitting on a planter located on the north side of the building. During the investigation, the subject informed the officers that he was unaware of the laws. The subject was issued a written Criminal Trespass Warning and was escorted from the area. Occurred on: 7-29-11, at 10:25 AM. 600 BLOCK WEST 6th STREET Possession of Marijuana / Criminal Trespass Warning (3 Counts): A UT staff member observed three non-UT subjects sitting around a table smoking. The staff member detected the odor of burning marijuana and notified the UT Police Department. During the investigation, the responding officers observed the same three subjects involved in a standardized tradition of puff-puff-pass. The officers approached and announced their presence. One subject dropped the marijuana cigarette and attempted to flee the area. The subject was taken into custody. During a search of the subject, incidental to his arrest, the officers located a small clear plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance that tested positive for marijuana. The subject was transported to Central Booking. In addition to the law enforcement actions taken, all three subjects were issued Criminal Trespass Warnings. Occurred on: 7-29-11, at 6:25 PM. 700 BLOCK COLORADO Criminal Mischief: A UT staff member discovered an unknown subject had broken four limbs off of a potted tree. Estimated loss: $50.00. Discovered on: 7-31-11, at 3:13 AM. 2100 BLOCK SAN JACINTO BLVD. Public Intoxication: A UT student was discovered passed out on the sidewalk. During the investigation, the student informed the officers he did not have his wallet with him nor his ID card. The officers observed the outline of the student’s wallet in his rear pocket. The subject removed his wallet and presented his ID card. The officers detected a very strong odor of alcohol on the student’s breath and noted other signs of intoxication. The student informed the officers that his friends had dropped him off from a party in the west campus area. The subject was taken into custody for Public Intoxication and placed in the back of a marked patrol vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the student created his own personal “splash zone”. The student was transported to Central Booking and the officer located the nearest car wash. Occurred on: 7-30-11, at 4:00 AM. 2500 BLOCK UNIVERSITY AVE Criminal Trespass Warning: A UT Police Officer observed a non-UT subject walk up to the passenger door of his patrol vehicle and attempt to open it. The same subject then walked up to another patrol vehicle and again attempted to open the doors. The officers ran towards the subject and commanded him to step away from the vehicles. During the investigation, the subject informed the officers he was trying to gain entry into the patrol vehicles to make sure the officers had not been shot by an Asian Yakuza gang members tucked under the seat. The subject was issued a written Criminal Trespass Warning and was escorted from the area. Occurred on: 7-31-11, at 10:36 PM. 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 16 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 08-01-11 A great deal of concern from parents regarding their child’s safety at college pertains to their child’s living arraignments. To that end, allow me time to address some dormitory safety and security issues. First and foremost, all dormitory residents need to make sure they keep their dormitory room door closed and locked at all times; even when they are inside their room. Most home burglaries or home invasions occur when a door or window is left unlocked. This holds true for dormitory crimes as well. Sadly, residents of dormitories do not have full control of the locking and un-locking of their dormitory room. Dormitory residents all have roommates. Those roommates also share the responsibility of locking the dorm door. It is important that residents make a pact with their roommates that their dorm room door will be kept closed and locked. Another thing to consider is purchasing a small foot locker and quality keyed pad lock to keep in the dormitory room closet. Dormitory resident should use the footlocker to secure valuables while they are not in the room. Not all dormitory thefts are committed by fellow residents of the dormitory. Often times, non-residents gain access into the dormitory floors due to the politeness of residents. The dormitory floor doors are card access controlled which means only resident should be able to access their floor. All too often, residents swipe their access card and hold the door open for people in a gesture of kindness. Dormitory resident should always make sure a card reader door closes behind them when they access the door. Furthermore, residents should not allow people to “tailgate” behind them through such doors. Early in the semester, dormitory residents may be visited at their dormitory room by someone wishing to sell magazine subscriptions, business coupons or any other products. Solicitation is not allowed on campus without special permission from the Dean of Students Office. Often times, thieves will act like legitimate vendors for such products, but they are actually there to commit thefts. If a dormitory resident is approached by such a solicitor, they should: - Refrain from letting the solicitor (or any stranger for that matter) into their dormitory room - Deny the sale - Report the incident to the UT Police Department at 512-471-4441. To Do List 7-29-11 I know vehicle safety and security are a huge concern for parents who have a child attending school in far off location. For that reason, take the time now to prepare your child’s car for the rigors of college life. First and foremost should be the operational status of the car. Make sure the car is up-to-date on its service records. Have the car’s oil changed, its fluids checked, the belts and hoses checked – is the car due for a tune-up? What about the tires and the wiper blades? Are they in need of replacing? Now is a great time to start considering these issues. Preventative maintenance for a car can go a long way in keeping your child form being broken down on the side of the road. Discuss with your child the importance of having the oil changed on time and the tires inspected etc, etc. Before you send your child off to college, take the time to look up various automobile towing services phone numbers, roadside assistance numbers and automobile repair shops in the Austin area. Jot those numbers down and place them in the glove compartment box of your child’s car. While stocking your child’s car, consider placing the following items in the trunk of their car: - Fire extinguisher - First aid kit - Blanket - Flashlight - Reflective traffic hazard triangle - Tire iron - Vehicle jack - A gallon bottle of water - A tire sealant / inflator (keep in mind this is a temporary fix – if your child’s car has a flat, then this is used to get the vehicle to a place for tire repair / replacement) Now let us take some time to address vehicle security. It is a given to say the vehicle’s doors should remain closed and locked at all times – even when the car is being driven. The windows should be rolled up when the vehicle is parked. Never, ever leave the keys in or around the vehicle. A spare key is a good thing to send to college, but tell your child to keep it in their wallet or secured inside their dormitory room / apartment. When your child parks their car, make sure they take everything out of the vehicle. In today’s edition f the Campus Watch, there were two auto burglaries that took less than a couple of minutes to commit. A thief will break out the window just to reach in and grab whatever is in arm’s reach. Never leave anything inside the car. To protect the stereo system, place a beach towel across the dash board (like you are protecting the dash form the sun) and let it drape down over the stereo system. Use a steering wheel immobilizer to help protect against auto theft. This type of device prevents the steering wheel form being turned in the event the car is stolen. Also consider the installation of a kill switch. This device prevents the car from running when it is turned on. If a kill switch is turned on when the car is parked, a thief cannot start or run the car to steal it. 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 44 Alarm Calls, 4 Medical Calls, 4 Suspicious Activity Reports, 2 Suspicious Person Report, 4 Burned Out Light Report, and 12 Unsecured Door Reports between 07/29/11 and 08/01/11. 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 Online property registration. Items with a serial number such as laptops, MP3 players, cell phones, electronics, and bikes are eligible. 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 today. 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 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. 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 DWH To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php\
