Dear campus community member:
We would like to update you on a recent Crime Alert regarding an armed robbery which reportedly occurred June 29 in the 0-100 block of East Stadium Drive, Champaign. At the time, we told you that a victim was approached by a man who displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s property.
On Tuesday, July 7, the person who reported the crime was interviewed again by detectives with the University of Illinois Police Department. The individual admitted to fabricating the details of the report. No armed robbery occurred, nor was there an offender armed with a gun. This person, who has no affiliation with the University, was issued a state of Illinois notice to appear in court for filing a false police report because of the resources expended investigating the claims.
While this particular incident was fabricated, it is still important for our campus community members to be observant, to report suspicious activity and crime when it happens and to take basic safety measures which can reduce their likelihood of being targeted by a criminal. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus is a very safe one, but a community of our size will never be crime-free. U. of I. Police and its partner law enforcement agencies work hard to prevent crime and to quickly identify and arrest offenders, but you play the most important role in keeping our campus community safe.
- Stay together. Do not walk alone at night. Travel in groups and in well-lit areas. Call 217-333-1216 for a SafeWalks escort if you need one, or download the app for iOS or Android.
- Be alert, and trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Call police if something looks odd — we're happy to assist, and even the smallest bit of information could prevent another crime.
- Watch out for each other. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else is in danger. The University's Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan guidelines protect you from legal or disciplinary consequences when you take the appropriate action to ensure others' safety.
- If you choose to consume alcohol, please be responsible. Remember your ability to respond is diminished by overconsumption of alcohol.
Please take a moment to review these resources we have made available to keep you informed, and consider liking UIPD on Facebook, following us on Twitter or subscribing to our news feed to receive regular updates.
Public Safety
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Everyone