To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "Chief Jeff Christensen" <dps-mail@illinois.edu>

Reply-To: dps-mail@illinois.edu
 Subject: Safety Alert

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

In the interest of safety awareness and assistance on campus, we wish to 
inform our community of a sexual assault incident on University property.

The University of Illinois Police Department is seeking assistance in 
gaining information surrounding the physical battery and sexually assault 
of a 19 year-old woman on July 13, 2008, some time between 3:00 a.m. and 
4:00 a.m.

On July 13, 2008, police officers responded to a report of a battery and 
sexual assault that occurred in a parking lot in the 1800 block of South 
Lincoln Avenue.  The suspect is described as a white male, age in the 
twenties with short brown hair and no facial hair.   The suspect is 
described as "tall and lanky" and having a "southern accent".  The 
suspect's vehicle is a grayish green conversion full size van.  The van 
has grey interior seating and drapes in the cabin windows.  University 
police are aggressively working this case and will provide further 
information when available.

The University of Illinois Police Department urges our community to 
contact the Investigation Division at (217) 333-1216 with information 
regarding this crime.  Callers can also remain anonymous by contacting 
Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-TIPS or by submitting tips online at: 
www.champaigncountycrimestoppers.com.  Tips can also be sent by texting 
the following: Tip387 plus the information to CRIMES (274637).

Safety Tips

*Travel in groups when possible and avoid walking alone.  If you must walk 
alone, inform others of your activities and route of travel.  Do not 
accept rides from strangers.

*Do not let alcohol or other drugs cloud your judgment or reduce your 
reaction time.

*Stay in well-lit or highly traveled areas when walking, particularly at 
night.  Be wary of isolated spots - apartment laundry rooms, underground 
garages, parking lots, offices after business hours.

*Trust your instincts.  If a situation or place makes you feel 
uncomfortable or uneasy, or if you feel you are being followed, go to a 
public building, residence or store and call 911.

*If using a cell phone or listening to a portable music device, be aware 
of surroundings at all times.  Avoid distractions when possible.

*If you are confronted by an offender, pay close attention to physical 
characteristics, i.e., tattoos or markings, height, weight, apparel, 
hair/eye color etc.

*If you are robbed and the offender asks for your purse or backpack, don't 
hand it to them but throw it away from you.  Run in the other direction, 
if possible.

*Use your loudest voice to scream for help, but if there is no one around, 
scream "NO!" and hold your hand in a stop position as you are backing away.
 Talk, stall for time, and assess your options.

*Lock the doors and windows to your home or apartment.  Secure all easily 
accessible windows and use peepholes to identify visitors.


Sincerely,

Jeff Christensen

Interim Executive Director of Public Safety
- Chief of Police
Division of Public Safety
University of Illinois Police Department

This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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