Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by The University Police Department Patrol Officers between Thursday, 07/31/14 and Friday, 08/01/14. ***WORDS OF ADVICE FROM OUR AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTNERS*** The Austin Police Department West District Representative asked us to pass along some useful information regarding the pending rush of students moving into off campus housing around the 40 Acres. Please take time to read their words of wisdom below: During the move in time in August, the Austin Police Dept. is often over-run with calls regarding parking violations in the West Campus area. We would like to remind you to be cognizant of all “No parking/tow away zones.” Also we ask that you not block streets, fire hydrants, alleys, drive ways, etc. We will have extra patrol out monitoring and enforcing the above listed violations as well as looking for other violations. Also, we ask that you be aware of your surroundings and who may be watching you. Be sure to keep your vehicles locked when unattended, shut and lock your residence door, and do not prop open exterior doors on apartment complexes. Code enforcement will also be out monitoring/enforcing potential code violations. Vehicle Safety o Most vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity. o Most of the items stolen are left within plain view. o Many victims do not lock their doors or roll up their windows. o Most commonly stolen items include wallets, purses, briefcases, backpacks, cell phones and accessories, portable electronics, and cd’s. o If you wallet/purse are stolen you could become a victim of fraud. o If you walk up on your vehicle while a crime is in progress this incident has the potential to become violent. o Your vehicle can be burglarized in less time than it takes to read this. Personal Safety o Be aware of your surroundings and walk in well-lit areas. o Do not walk alone at night. Avoid areas that are less populated. o Be alert and observant so you can give a good description to police. o Watch your drink and your friends drink. Date rape drugs do happen. o A majority of sexual assaults are committed by somebody you know. In the vast majority of these cases, alcohol is the most commonly used “weapon”. Always have a plan and stay in pairs. What if I’m afraid to call the Police? • Callers can remain anonymous. • You may request the responding officer not contact you. • If you don’t call who will. DEVELOPMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 2901 North IH 35 Criminal Mischief: The door lock cylinders on the front doors of a Chevrolet 1500 van were forced into the door panel. Entry was not made into the vehicle. Repair cost: $300.00. Occurred between 07/30/14 at 4:50 PM and 07/31/14 at 8:00 AM. GEORGE I. SANCHEZ BUILDING, 1912 Speedway Theft / Credit Card Abuse: A 6” brown leather Banana Republic wallet containing various identification cards, a debit card and a credit card were stolen was stolen from a purse that was left in an unsecured 3rd floor office. The theft occurred when the owner propped the back door to the office open with a stapler as she went across the hall to a restroom to wash her hands. When the staff member returned, she noticed the stapler had been moved and the back door to her office was closed and locked. After a 45 minute meeting, the victim discovered the wallet had been stolen. Prior to her annulling the debit card and credit card, four unauthorized charges were made on the credit card. Loss value: $60.00. The theft occurred on 07/31/14 between 1:00 PM and 1:05 PM. The credit card abuse occurred on 07/31/14 between 1:05 PM and 2:15 PM. Crime Prevention Tips: This type of theft happens frequently. There are several thieves who roam around campus just looking for an opportunity. A propped open door is just such an opportunity. A thief only needs a minute or two in an office to locate a purse, backpack, cell phone – well, anything. Never leave your office unattended and unsecured. Close and lock your office door – even if you are just stepping out for a minute. Another recommendation is to lock your purse, backpack, wallet etc. in a cabinet or desk drawer when you first arrive at work. Leave such items locked up until you need them. Once a thief has your credit or debit card, he or she starts spending and they continue to do so until the cards are cancelled. Always keep the contact information to such cards with you – list them as a contact in your cell phone (just the customer service number – not the account number). Write that contact number down and keep a copy at your home and in your office. Immediately cancel your debit and credit cards as soon as you discover them missing. The University of Texas Police Department responded to 15 Alarm Reports, 1 Fire Alarm Activation, 9 Traffic Violations, 2 Collisions, 2 Unsecured Door Reports, 1 Stuck Elevator, 6 Public Assist Requests and 2 Suspicious Activity Reports between 07/31/14 and 08/01/14. 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 512-232-9634 or via e-mail to photocop@mail.utexas.edu Prepared by: Ofc. WR π/ To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php/
