To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "Chief of Police Barbara O'Connor" <dpscomments@illinois.edu>

Reply-To: dps-mail@illinois.edu
 Subject: CRIME-ALERT

I write to inform you of an incident which poses a continuing risk to 
students and employees of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating a report of 
a robbery that occurred on 05-17-09 at about 12:30 am near West 
Springfield Avenue by the Engineering Quad.

The victim was walking near Beckman Institute and was approached from 
behind by a group of males.  One of the males struck the victim in the 
back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground and drop his 
backpack.  The group of males then repeatedly punched and kicked the 
victim and stole his backpack.  The group of males then fled the area.

Fortunately, the victim in this incident was not seriously injured.

The University of Illinois Police Department is increasing patrols as a 
result of this incident and is actively investigating the crime to gather 
additional suspect information. 

Anyone with information about this incident should call the University of 
Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216.  Information also can be 
shared anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 217-373-TIPS or 
online at: 
http://www.champaigncountycrimestoppers.com/ 

-Do not allow the opportunity for a crime to occur - avoid placing 
yourself in environments where criminals will have the opportunity to 
commit a personal crime.

-Always keep your doors and windows locked.

-If possible, let a friend or roommate know where and with who you will 
be and when you will be back when you go out.

-Trust your instincts - if you feel uncomfortable about someone near you 
on the street, in an elevator or getting off a bus, go to a populated 
place or yell for help.

-Use well-lit and busy sidewalks if possible. 

-Avoid walking alone or walking near vacant lots, alleys, construction 
sites and wooded areas.

-Learn the locations of emergency phones on campus.

-Carry a cell phone, whistle or a personal alarm to alert people that you 
need help.

-Try to park in an area that will be well-lit and heavily traveled when 
you return.

-Lock your car doors and roll up the windows completely - even if you are 
only running a quick errand.

-Drink responsibly - remember your ability to respond is diminished by 
over-consumption of alcohol.

-Stay alert at all times and call the police immediately to report 
suspicious activity.

-Never leave personal property (e.g., book bags, laptop computers, etc.) 
unattended.

-Put ICE (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone, along with a name and 
telephone number of a loved one, to enable emergency services personnel 
to contact your family in the event of an emergency.

-Excessive volume or use of electronic devices (iPods, PDAs, cell phones, 
etc.) distracts you from being alert to potential safety issues. Unplug 
yourself and tune in to your immediate environment.

Finally, if you have not yet done so, please register your contact 
information with Illini-Alert, at emergency.illinois.edu to receive 
messages about critical safety issues on campus.

Barbara R. O'Connor, J.D.
Executive Director of Public Safety
Chief of Police
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chief of Police

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