Campus Watch: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by The University Police Department Patrol Officers between Wednesday, 10/29/14 and Thursday, 10/30/14. ****SCAM ALERT**** In the past few days, the UT Police Department has learned of several instances where UT students received telephone calls from someone claiming to be a member of the Internal Revenue Service or one of many local police departments. The caller advises the student there is an open criminal investigation against them pertaining to Tax Laws violations or in one instance, “tuition related criminal charges” and then threatens arrest warrants if the student does not make an immediate payment. After gaining confidence by providing information about the student, which can be derived from the directory, or by pointing out the caller’s telephone number which matches prefixes of the Austin Police Department (cloned number), the caller directs the student to get money, convert it to Green Dot Pre-paid debit cards. The caller would then ask the student for the account information off of the debit card. This is becoming a common scam that targets college students. If you receive such a call, demand a warrant number or cause number from the supposed “arrest warrant.” You should also ask for a report number. You should then disconnect the phone call and contact the police department. *****Halloween Safety Tips***** FACULTY, STAFF AND PARENTS: - Know the route your kids will be taking. - Make sure that a trusted adult is going with your children. If you can't take them, see if another parent or a teen-aged sibling can go along. - Know what other activities your children may be attending, such as parties, , church festivals or school functions. - Set a time that your children should be home. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time. - Plan costumes that are bright and / or reflective. Make sure the costume fits well to prevent tripping or visual impairments – don’t forget about the shoes (clown shoes have been known to cause falls) - Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. - Secure emergency identification (name, and contact phone number) DISCREETLY within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. - Use non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative to a mask – this will allow greater visibility. - Wear flame resistant costumes. - Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury. - Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks for all children and their escorts. - Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or glow sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes. - Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone. - Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire. - Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time. - Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home. - Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house. - Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack. - Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. - Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. STUDENTS - Plan your night in advance; know where you are going, how you will get there, how you plan to get back, how much money your night will cost and only take that amount of money. - Know your limits and stick to them. - Know that a one ounce shot has the same alcohol content as a 12 ounce beer. - Avoid risky behaviors or situations like drinking games / challenges – don’t “double dog dare” anyone and don’t fall into such a trap from another person. - If you throw a party, use safe drivers / sober friends for your party quests. - Take a sober friend with you to help keep you out of too much mischief. Central Booking (jail) will no doubt have the most interesting costume party in Austin tonight, but trust me, you don’t want to participate in that costume contest. Have fun tonight but be smart – after all, you are UT Students. TRINITY PARKING GARAGE, 1815 Trinity Criminal Mischief: An impetuous UT student has been irate towards Parking and Transportation Services employees since his parking citation appeal did not meet his expectations. The student had sent several profane e-mails to said employees prior to being the only subject in the area when a door to the PTS office was forced shut with such vigor that the door’s closure device was damaged. The student left the area between the time the door was damaged and the police department was notified. Repair cost: $250.00. Occurred on 10/30/14 at 9:00 AM. SAN JACINTO PARKING GARAGE, 2401 San Jacinto Leaving the Scene Collision: The owner of a white Mazda 4-door reported he returned to his parked car and found a $20.00 bill and a note on the windshield of his car. The note directed the owner to the back left bumper where the owner found two dark rub marks on his bumper. The note did not contain any driver information of the striking vehicle and the $20.00 will not cover the repair cost of $50.00. Occurred between 10/29/14 at 1:00 PM and 10/30/14 at 6:20 PM. 27TH STREET PARKING GARAGE, 109 West 27th Street Leaving the Scene Collision: The back right quarter panel of a blue Toyota Camry 4-door was struck by an unknown vehicle while the Toyota was parked on the 2nd level of the garage. The driver of the striking vehicle left the scene without leaving driver information. Repair cost: $200.00. Occurred on 10/30/14 between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. 2300 San Jacinto Public Intoxication: A UT student was observed walking in the middle of the roadway with his pants unbuttoned. When stopped the student stated he was going “that way” and pointed north. When asked how much he had to drink, the student exclaimed “enough to be too much.” The student was correct as he was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to the point he was a danger to himself. Occurred on 10/31/14 at 3:38 AM. The University of Texas Police Department responded to 19 Alarm Reports, 1 Fire Alarm Activation, 1 “Police Help” Callbox Activation, 7 Suspicious Activity Reports, 5 Traffic Violations, 3 Unsecured Door Reports, 1 Welfare Concern Report, 1 Medical Emergency Report, 1 Found Property and 10 Public Assist Report between 10/30/14 and 10/31/14. Prepared by: Ofc. WR π/ To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php/
