UIParents E-Update

UIPARENTS E-UPDATE SPECIAL ISSUE-SAFETY ON CAMPUS

Campus Safety Alert

May 3, 2006

Message from Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick

The University Police Department has informed the University community about eight reports of laptop computers being stolen from campus buildings since April 27, 2007. In each instance, the owner of the computer has left their possessions unattended for brief periods of time. Computers have been taken from study areas, unlocked offices, classrooms and the Illini Union. Thefts have occurred between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Additionally, purses and wallets have been taken under similar circumstances.

We realize many are studying for final exams and it is easy to become complacent about securing items. It is imperative that everyone secure their possessions or ask a trusted friend to watch them even for brief trips to vending areas or restrooms. University of Illinois Police officers are conducting additional walking patrols throughout campus. UIPD is asking for everyone’s assistance in preventing the thefts and encourages everyone to report suspicious individuals to the police.

April 23, 2007

According to a conversation with UI Police Chief Kris Fitzpatrick this morning, the UI Police have arrested one suspect in connection to armed robberies that occurred over the past weekend. It has not been determined whether or not the suspect is connected to the previous armed robberies that have occurred on and around the University of Illinois campus in the past weeks. Police continue to follow up on additional suspects.

Three local jurisdictions; the Urbana Police, the Champaign Police and the University of Illinois Police have detectives assigned to the cases and they are working together to determine if this individual is responsible for additional crimes. It is important for students to continue to exercise good personal safety habits and not take unnecessary risks such as walking alone. Click here for more safety resources and tips.

April 19, 2007

The police are looking at seven robberies that appear to be connected. The first five occurred late on March 30, 2007 or early on March 31, 2007. In all five of these robberies a silver handgun was displayed. In all five of these 2 suspects were involved, the first being a black male, standing approx. 5' 8" with a heavy build and the second being a black male, approx. 6' feet tall with a thin build.

The next robbery occurred on April, 4 2007 in the 600 block of East Clark Street. In this case, a black handgun was displayed. There were also two suspects involved with this robbery. One being a black male, approx. 6" feet tall with a thin build. An unknown second suspect was also involved.

The latest robbery attempt of this string occurred on April 13, 2007 near the Illini Grove. Two suspects were also involved with this robbery with similar descriptions given. A knife was used in this attempt.

People need to avoid walking by themselves in the evening and take advantage of the local bus service or taxi company. The University also offers safe rides. Student Patrol will supply a walking escort if called. If need be, an officer will supply an escort.

U of I Police Investigations, along with the Champaign Police Department, are working at solving these robberies. People are encouraged to call the University Police at 217-333-1216 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency from off-campus phone) or 9-911 (from campus phone), Champaign Police at (217) 351-4545, or Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-TIPS if they have information related to these robberies.

April 5, 2007

The Division of Public Safety at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign works hard with the community to provide a safe and secure campus for students, faulty and staff. Recently, there have been several armed robberies that have occurred in the campus district. The following information was sent to all faculty, staff and students from University Police Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick on March 31st:

Between midnight and 2:40 a.m. on March 31, 2007, four armed robberies happened in the campus area. These crimes took place in Illini Grove, the natural area located at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue; at Busey Avenue and Nevada Street in Urbana; at Wright Street and White Street in Champaign; and at Locust Street and Chalmers Street in Champaign. In each case a man approached the victims and displayed a handgun. This suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5' 08" and heavyset. He was wearing black clothing including a black knit cap. Another suspect was seen standing near where the crimes happened. This suspect is described as a black male, thin and approximately 6'01". In each incident, the suspect took personal items, but no one was physically injured. Both suspects walked or ran from the scene following the robberies.

University Police are working closely with city police departments to apprehend the criminals. If you have any information to assist with this investigation please call Crimestoppers at 217-373-TIPS or the University Police at 217-333-1216. Most importantly, if you feel something is suspicious, immediately call our local emergency number: 911 from your cell phone or 9-911 from campus phones.

These robberies are known as "crimes of opportunity," because the criminals look for people they consider easiest to victimize. That means that we can all take steps to reduce our chances of becoming a target. First, pay close attention to your surroundings; do not place yourself in a position where you are unable to detect individuals who may be approaching you. Use well lit and populated routes whenever possible. Always walk with a friend or join a group. Better yet, use the services of either SafeRides (217-265-7433) or SafeWalks (217-333-1216).

Your safety is very important to us. In meeting our goal of keeping our campus safe, you need to always be aware of your surroundings and to let us know if you see any suspicious activity. If you would like to talk to an officer about additional safety tips, please call us at 217-333-1216.

Thank You

For more information and safety tips:

Division of Public Safety: Safety Resources
Tips to Increase Safety by Tony Ortiz, Crime Prevention Coordinator
UIParents E-Update for March 16, 2007-Campus Safety section
Dads and Moms Illini newsletter, August 2006 issue
Dean of Students Office: Safety Video

The Daily Illini reported on a fifth armed robbery that occured early Wednesday, Apr. 4th. Full Story
Click here for Safety Tips published in the Daily Illini.

Please feel free to contact the Parent Programs Office at 217-333-7063 if you have any questions or concerns. We will keep you up-to-date on this issue as information is made available.


UIPARENTS E-UPDATE SPECIAL ISSUE-SAFETY ON CAMPUS
Campus Safety Alert May 3, 2006 Message from Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick The University Police Department has informed the University community about eight reports of laptop computers being stolen from campus buildings since April 27, 2007. In each instance, the owner of the computer has left their possessions unattended for brief periods of time. Computers have been taken from study areas, unlocked offices, classrooms and the Illini Union. Thefts have occurred between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Additionally, purses and wallets have been taken under similar circumstances. We realize many are studying for final exams and it is easy to become complacent about securing items. It is imperative that everyone secure their possessions or ask a trusted friend to watch them even for brief trips to vending areas or restrooms. University of Illinois Police officers are conducting additional walking patrols throughout campus. UIPD is asking for everyone’s assistance in preventing the thefts and encourages everyone to report suspicious individuals to the police. April 23, 2007 According to a conversation with UI Police Chief Kris Fitzpatrick this morning, the UI Police have arrested one suspect in connection to armed robberies that occurred over the past weekend. It has not been determined whether or not the suspect is connected to the previous armed robberies that have occurred on and around the University of Illinois campus in the past weeks. Police continue to follow up on additional suspects. Three local jurisdictions; the Urbana Police, the Champaign Police and the University of Illinois Police have detectives assigned to the cases and they are working together to determine if this individual is responsible for additional crimes. It is important for students to continue to exercise good personal safety habits and not take unnecessary risks such as walking alone. Click here for more safety resources and tips. April 19, 2007 The police are looking at seven robberies that appear to be connected. The first five occurred late on March 30, 2007 or early on March 31, 2007. In all five of these robberies a silver handgun was displayed. In all five of these 2 suspects were involved, the first being a black male, standing approx. 5' 8" with a heavy build and the second being a black male, approx. 6' feet tall with a thin build. The next robbery occurred on April, 4 2007 in the 600 block of East Clark Street. In this case, a black handgun was displayed. There were also two suspects involved with this robbery. One being a black male, approx. 6" feet tall with a thin build. An unknown second suspect was also involved. The latest robbery attempt of this string occurred on April 13, 2007 near the Illini Grove. Two suspects were also involved with this robbery with similar descriptions given. A knife was used in this attempt. People need to avoid walking by themselves in the evening and take advantage of the local bus service or taxi company. The University also offers safe rides. Student Patrol will supply a walking escort if called. If need be, an officer will supply an escort. U of I Police Investigations, along with the Champaign Police Department, are working at solving these robberies. People are encouraged to call the University Police at 217-333-1216 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency from off-campus phone) or 9-911 (from campus phone), Champaign Police at (217) 351-4545, or Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-TIPS if they have information related to these robberies. April 5, 2007 The Division of Public Safety at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign works hard with the community to provide a safe and secure campus for students, faulty and staff. Recently, there have been several armed robberies that have occurred in the campus district. The following information was sent to all faculty, staff and students from University Police Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick on March 31st: Between midnight and 2:40 a.m. on March 31, 2007, four armed robberies happened in the campus area. These crimes took place in Illini Grove, the natural area located at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue; at Busey Avenue and Nevada Street in Urbana; at Wright Street and White Street in Champaign; and at Locust Street and Chalmers Street in Champaign. In each case a man approached the victims and displayed a handgun. This suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5' 08" and heavyset. He was wearing black clothing including a black knit cap. Another suspect was seen standing near where the crimes happened. This suspect is described as a black male, thin and approximately 6'01". In each incident, the suspect took personal items, but no one was physically injured. Both suspects walked or ran from the scene following the robberies. University Police are working closely with city police departments to apprehend the criminals. If you have any information to assist with this investigation please call Crimestoppers at 217-373-TIPS or the University Police at 217-333-1216. Most importantly, if you feel something is suspicious, immediately call our local emergency number: 911 from your cell phone or 9-911 from campus phones. These robberies are known as "crimes of opportunity," because the criminals look for people they consider easiest to victimize. That means that we can all take steps to reduce our chances of becoming a target. First, pay close attention to your surroundings; do not place yourself in a position where you are unable to detect individuals who may be approaching you. Use well lit and populated routes whenever possible. Always walk with a friend or join a group. Better yet, use the services of either SafeRides (217-265-7433) or SafeWalks (217-333-1216). Your safety is very important to us. In meeting our goal of keeping our campus safe, you need to always be aware of your surroundings and to let us know if you see any suspicious activity. If you would like to talk to an officer about additional safety tips, please call us at 217-333-1216. Thank You For more information and safety tips: Division of Public Safety: Safety Resources Tips to Increase Safety by Tony Ortiz, Crime Prevention Coordinator UIParents E-Update for March 16, 2007-Campus Safety section Dads and Moms Illini newsletter, August 2006 issue Dean of Students Office: Safety Video The Daily Illini reported on a fifth armed robbery that occured early Wednesday, Apr. 4th. Full Story Click here for Safety Tips published in the Daily Illini. Please feel free to contact the Parent Programs Office at 217-333-7063 if you have any questions or concerns. We will keep you up-to-date on this issue as information is made available.
Parent Programs Office, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 Phone (217) 333-7063, Fax (217) 333-7872, Email uofiparents@ad.uiuc.edu