Dear campus community member:
With classes beginning, it is important that we all take a moment to review some basic guidelines that can help protect us while we’re on campus. Given that there have been several crimes reported near campus within the past two weeks, we want you to have the information you need to take the appropriate precautions. This message alone is not necessarily an indication that crime rates have increased or that a pattern of crime has emerged. For a more comprehensive look at crime in your area, please visit CrimeReports.com.
The Champaign Police Department has informed University of Illinois Police of the following off-campus incidents and recently requested that we issue this message to enhance your safety going forward.
- At 5:03 a.m. in the 0-100 block of East John Street, Champaign, two men entered an unlocked apartment and took electronics and a wallet. One of the two men was arrested.
- Sometime on Aug. 16 or Aug. 17 in the 100 block of East Chalmers Street, Champaign, a backpack containing a laptop and watch was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.
- At 11:51 p.m. on Aug. 20 near Fifth and White streets, Champaign, a man shoved a woman to the ground, demanded money and then ran away.
- A series of robberies were reported on Aug. 22. At 12:19 a.m. in the 400 block of East Stoughton Street, Champaign, a man came up from behind the victim, pressed an unknown object against the victim’s head and demanded money. The offender fled after the victim gave him cash. At 1:13 a.m. in the 300 block of East White Street, Champaign, an offender with a knife demanded money from a man and ran away after receiving cash. At 5:23 a.m. near Fourth and White streets, Champaign, a man approached a group of people and demanded money. The victims turned over a small amount of cash and the man walked away. No weapon was seen, but the man kept touching his leg as to imply he had a weapon.
The University of Illinois Police Department has a full complement of officers patrolling the campus area, and we are fortunate to have our force supplemented by the Urbana and Champaign police departments. Between these agencies, the Urbana campus is one of the most highly-patrolled areas in the region. More than 1,000 security cameras are posted around campus to deter crime and identify offenders, but our community is the most important resource in preventing crime.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Champaign Police Department at 217-351-4545. Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (373-TIPS) or by visiting www.373tips.com. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text message by texting keyword "CCTIP" plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES).
This is our community. Let's stay together.
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 when crime occurs, 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.
- Lock all doors. Theft and burglary often are crimes of opportunity. Criminals will seek out unlocked doors and steal valuables when they find one. By locking doors and taking our valuables with us, we eliminate that opportunity.
- Be alert, and trust your instincts. Avoid using your cellphone or listening to music while you’re walking, as it can distract you from danger. If something 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 encourages students to take appropriate action to protect others’ safety by reducing students’ fear of legal or disciplinary consequences to the victim or themselves. For more information, please review the Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan procedures.
- 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
sent to:
Everyone