Crime Alert Archive 2004

Crime Alert Archive 2004

CRIME ADVISORY

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Burglaries to Apartments

LOCATION: Off-Campus Apartments in University City and St. Louis

SPECIFICS: Recently there have been several reports of Burglaries to
apartments in neighborhoods adjacent to the campus in St. Louis and
University City. In several of these cases the property stolen included
electronic devices such as laptop computers. While force has been used in some cases to gain entry to the apartments, in other cases the victims
reported having left doors or windows unlocked. In several cases victims
have also noted suspicious persons in the area prior to the Burglary.

PRECAUTIONS:
We recommend you take the following precautions:

*Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to Police at 9-1-1 or
go to the nearest emergency telephone.

*LOCK YOUR APARTMENT DOOR, even when you are at home.

*Lock the windows to your apartment. If you have a sliding glass door,
secure it further by placing a piece of wood in the track to prevent it
from opening.

*Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.

*Don't allow people you do not know to "tailgate" behind you into the
building.

*When someone knocks at your door, don't open it unless you know your visitor.

*If the person is a maintenance person, ask that identification be slipped
under the door or through the mail slot. Call the employer to verify that
maintenance work was scheduled to be performed. Refuse to deal with
anyone who won't comply with this request.

*Someone may knock at your door to use the telephone. Never open the door. Take the message and make the call for them.

*If you arrive home to find your door ajar, hear unusual sounds or believe
your apartment has been broken into, DON'T GO IN! Go to a telephone and call the Police.

*When you are away from your residence, leave your interior lights on.

Issued: November 17, 2004

CRIME ALERT

TO:            RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH 40

INCIDENT:        THEFT OF LAPTOP COMPUTERS

LOCATION:        SOUTH 40

WHEN:        October 25-October 27

SPECIFICS:    3 laptop computers have been stolen from either unlocked residence hall rooms or left unattended in a common study area on the So40 during the past week.

SUSPECT;    None

PRECAUTIONS:
•    Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to University Police at 5-5555 or go to the nearest emergency telephone.
•    LOCK YOUR ROOM DOOR whenever you leave, even if it’s for a short time. Also be sure and lock your door when you will be showering or sleeping.
•    Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.
•    Don’t allow people you do not know to “tailgate” behind you into the building.
•    Never leave your laptop computer, textbooks, cellular telephone, book bag, purse or other valuables unattended or out of your line of sight in public spaces even for a short period of time.

RESPONSE:        Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the University Police at 935-5555 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. (Located at locations throughout campus.) Contact University Police if you have any information which might assist in this investigation.

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPT. 935-5555
This message is provided as a way to alert the Campus Community and Off Campus students to situations for which precautions should be taken. We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.

Issued:    October 28, 2004

TO:            MEMBERS OF THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT:        VEHICLE BREAK-INS

LOCATION:        Parking lots—particularly on the east end of campus

SPECIFICS:    There have been several recent vehicle break-ins in parking lots on the east end of campus. In several of these cases tools or other force has been used to gain entry to the vehicle and stereos or other items of value have been stolen. These break-ins fit a pattern of similar
incidents in communities surrounding the campus.
PRECAUTIONS:
•    Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to University Police at 5-5555 or go to the nearest emergency telephone.
•    If you hear a vehicle alarm, contact Police immediately.
•    Do not leave expensive property such as CD’s, purses, radar detectors, cellular telephones and portable stereos in plain view in your vehicle. Lock them in your trunk or take them with you.
•    Lock your vehicle

RESPONSE:        Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the University Police at 935-5555 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. (Located at locations throughout campus.) Contact University Police if you have any information which might assist in this investigation.

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPT. 935-5555
This message is provided as a way to alert the Campus Community and Off Campus students to situations for which precautions should be taken. We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.

Issued:    October 26, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Robbery

LOCATION: Skinker and Westminster

WHEN: Thursday June 10, 2004

SPECIFICS: On Thursday June 10, 2004 while walking north on Skinker, a Washington University employee was approached by a subject who indicated that he had a gun and demanded money. The victim complied with the demand and the suspect fled the area. There were no injuries.

Suspect: Black male: 6 feet tall, braided black hair, wearing a large white tee shirt, and blue jeans with white stitching trim on the legs.

PRECAUTIONS:
· Be extra cautious if someone approaches you or your car and asks for information.
· Avoid walking or jogging alone and never walk or jog alone after dark.
· Always choose a well-lit path and avoid dark or vacant areas.
· Carry a whistle to summon help.
· Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed, run in a different direction; go to the other side of the street and yell or whistle for help; or head quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or an Emergency Telephone.
· If you are confronted by a thief, give them what they want and don’t chase them as they leave. Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to the Police.

RESPONSE: Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the Police at 9-1-1 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. Contact the police if you have any information that might assist in this investigation.

This message is provided by the WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT as a way to alert Off Campus students to situations for which precautions should be taken. We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.

Issued: June 10, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: ROBBERY

LOCATION: SIMON HALL

SPECIFICS: At about 12:15 pm on June 1, 2004, a staff member observed an unknown black male subject in her office going through her purse. Victim confronted the suspect who pushed her aside and fled the scene.

SUSPECT: Black male; 45-55 years of age; 5’6, 150 lbs; with mostly gray hair and wearing glasses; wearing a yellow-gold shirt and blue jeans. Suspect was observed driving a 4 door, silver Buick with Missouri license plates.

PRECAUTIONS:
· Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to University Police at 5-5555 or go to the nearest emergency telephone.
· LOCK YOUR DOOR whenever you leave, even if it’s for a short time.
· Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.
· If a thief confronts you, give them what they want and don’t chase them as they leave.

RESPONSE: Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the Police at 935-5555 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone

This message is provided by the WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT as a way to alert the campus to situations for which precautions should be taken. We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.
Issued: June 2, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Robbery

LOCATION: Melville and Kingsbury

WHEN: Saturday May 29, 2004

SPECIFICS: On Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 0045 while walking two Washington University Students were approached by two suspects, at the intersection Melville and Kingsbury. One subject displayed a handgun, and stated, “I got a gun give me your purse”. After obtaining both purses the suspects fled the area. There were no injuries.
Suspect # 1: Black male age 25-35, wearing a flannel shirt, low haircut
Suspect #2: Black male age 25-35, wearing a white over size T-shirt displayed a handgun
PRECAUTIONS:
· Be extra cautious if someone approaches your car and asks for information.
· Avoid walking or jogging alone and never walk or jog alone after dark.
· Always choose a well-lit path and avoid dark or vacant areas.
· Carry a whistle to summon help.
· Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed, run in a different direction; go to the other side of the street and yell or whistle for help; or head quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or an Emergency Telephone.
· If you are confronted by a thief, give them what they want and don’t chase them as they leave. Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to the Police.

RESPONSE: Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the University City Police at 9-1-1 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. Contact University City Police if you have any information that might assist in this investigation.

Issued: May 29, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Robbery

LOCATION: 6600 Block of Washington (Alley)

WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 2004

SPECIFICS: Shortly after midnight on Thursday, May 27, 4 people were walking in the alley in the 6600 block of Washington. They were approached by two suspects who displayed a handgun and demanded money. The victims complied with the demands and the suspects fled the area. There were no injuries.

SUSPECTS: Both suspects were described as black males about 20 years old; one of the suspects was wearing a blue football jersey with the number “11” on it.

PRECAUTIONS:
· Avoid walking or jogging alone and never walk or jog alone after dark.
· Always choose a well-lit path and avoid dark or vacant areas.
· Carry a whistle to summon help.
· Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed, run in a different direction; go to the other side of the street and yell or whistle for help; or head quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or an Emergency Telephone.
· If you are confronted by a thief, give them what they want and don’t chase them as they leave. Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to the Police.
· Be extra cautious if someone approaches your car and asks for information.

Issued: May 27, 2004

TO: RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH 40

INCIDENT: BURGLARY/THEFTS

LOCATION: SOUTH 40

WHEN: May 11-May 13

SPECIFICS: During the Move-out process, several unlocked residence hall rooms have been entered and laptop computers or other electronic equipment taken.

SUSPECT; None

PRECAUTIONS:
· Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to University Police at 5-5555 or go to the nearest emergency telephone.
· LOCK YOUR ROOM DOOR whenever you leave, even if it’s for a short time. Also be sure and lock your door when you will be showering or sleeping.
· Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.
· Don’t allow people you do not know to “tailgate” behind you into the building.
· Lock your vehicle

RESPONSE: Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the University Police at 935-5555 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. (Located at locations throughout campus.) Contact University Police if you have any information which might assist in this investigation.

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPT. 935-5555
This message is provided as a way to alert the Campus Community and Off Campus students to situations for which precautions should be taken. We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.

Issued: May 13, 2004

TO: RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH FORTY

INCIDENT: INVASION OF PRIVACY

LOCATION: LIGGETT RESIDENCE HALL

WHEN: MARCH 26, 2004

SPECIFICS: At approximately 10:50am on Friday, March 26, a female student was using a shower stall in a restroom facility at Liggett Residence Hall. The victim observed the head of an individual in the adjacent stall and believed the subject was looking into her shower stall. After the subject left the bathroom, the victim immediately alerted her RA and Police. The female was unable to provide a description of the subject other than to say she believed the person had short, dark hair.

PRECAUTIONS:
· Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to University Police at 5-5555 or go to the nearest emergency telephone.
· Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.
· Don’t allow people you do not know to “tailgate” behind you into the building.
· LOCK YOUR ROOM DOOR whenever you leave, even if it’s for a short time. Also be sure and lock your door when you will be showering or sleeping.

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Robbery

LOCATION: 6000 block of McPherson

WHEN: February 18, 2004

SPECIFICS: On Wednesday, February 18 at about 12:15am, a woman was attempting to enter the front door of an apartment building in the 6000 block of McPherson. At the front door of the residence, a subject approached her and grabbed her computer bag. The suspect then fled on foot. The victim was not injured.

RESPONSE: Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the St. Louis Police at 9-1-1 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. Contact St. Louis Police if you have any information that might assist in this investigation.

This message is provided by the WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT as a way to alert Off Campus students to situations for which precautions should be taken.
We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.

Issued: February 18, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Assault and Robbery

LOCATION: 6000 block of McPherson

WHEN: February 15, 2004

SPECIFICS: On Sunday, February 15 at about 7:00 PM, a woman was attempting to enter the front door of an apartment building in the 6000 block of McPherson to visit a friend. At the front door of the residence two unknown subjects approached her and demanded her purse. The victim was then struck in the back of the head by one of the subjects’ fist. The purse was removed from the victim, and the subjects fled the scene. The victim was not seriously injured.

This message is provided by the WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT as a way to alert Off Campus students to situations for which precautions should be taken.
We each play an important role toward ensuring our own safety and that of our community.

Issued: February 16, 2004

TO: RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH 40

INCIDENT: BURGLARY

LOCATION: GREGG HALL

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2004

SPECIFICS: A residence hall room was entered while the residents were away and several items of value were removed. There was no forced entry to the room. During the investigation, Police identified a possible suspect described below who was seen near the location of the Burglary.

SUSPECT; Black male; 20-25 years of age; approximately 6’0-6’2” in height; medium build; short hair; thin facial hair; wearing gray baggy sweat outfit with a red headband

Issued: January 29, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: Robbery

LOCATION: 5800 block of Nina

WHEN: January 26, 2004 at about 8pm

SPECIFICS: On Monday, January 26 at about 8pm, a neighborhood resident noticed a subject watching her as she proceeded to her residence in the 5800 block of Nina. She attempted to hurry into the building, but before the front door locked the subject entered the building and confronted her. The suspect grabbed her coat and personal items. While the subject was obtaining the victims’ property, a second subject was acting as a look out holding the front door partially open. Both subjects fled the scene. No weapon was displayed, however one subject indicated he had a gun.

SUSPECTS: Males in their 20’s wearing baggie clothing and hooded sweat shirts.

PRECAUTIONS:
· If you are confronted by a thief, give them what they want and don’t chase them as they leave. Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to the Police.
· Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed, run in a different direction; go to the other side of the street and yell or whistle for help; or head quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or an Emergency Telephone.
· Be extra cautious if someone approaches your car and asks for information.
· Avoid walking or jogging alone and never walk or jog alone after dark.
· Always choose a well-lit path and avoid dark or vacant areas.
· Carry a whistle to summon help.

Issued: January 27, 2004

TO: MEMBERS OF THE OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

INCIDENT: CAR JACKING

LOCATION: 6600 BLOCK OF WASHINGTON

SPECIFICS: At about 9:45pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, a victim reports he was seated in his car in the 6600 block of Washington waiting for a friend. The victim reports a suspect approached the vehicle; knocked on the window; asked what time it was; displayed a small pistol; demanded the victim’s wallet; ordered the victim from the car; and then stole the car. The victim was not physically injured.

SUSPECT: Wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.

PRECAUTIONS:
· Be extra cautious if someone approaches your car and asks for information. If you must talk to them, do so with the window up, the doors locked and be ready to drive away if necessary.
· If while stopped you are confronted by someone or pulled from your vehicle. Cooperate and move away quickly.
· If you are driving home, and there is someone walking down your street you don’t recognize, drive around the block and come back after the person has left.
· Avoid walking or jogging alone and never walk or jog alone after dark.
· Always choose a well-lit path and avoid dark or vacant areas.
· Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed, run in a different direction; go to the other side of the street and yell or whistle for help; or head quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or an Emergency Telephone.
· Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to the Police.

RESPONSE: Report suspicious activities/persons immediately to the University City Police Department at 9-1-1 or via Blue Light Emergency Telephone. Contact University City Police if you have any information that might assist in this investigation.