Safety First

How to keep your possessions safe.

by

At college, you have many possessions in your residence hall, apartment or house that are important to you. This may include laptops, tablets, televisions, gaming systems, documents, bicycles, and skateboards. You may also find yourself hosting your friends and others at your place. These can run from a small gathering of close friends to a big crowd where you have many guests you do not know. When having unfamiliar people to your house, there are some basic safety rules you should follow.

  • Ensure that individuals that are entering your home are guests. Strangers can slip in and make off with your stuff because no one knew they weren’t invited.
  • Don’t leave the front door wide open as an open invitation to anyone off the street. Even with a house full of guests, always lock your doors.
  • Secure valuables in a safe area when entertaining others. Don’t make it easy for someone thinking they can make a quick snatch and run.

Other things you can do to reduce the risk of theft include:

  • Maintain outside lighting and landscaping.
  • Report suspicious activity near your residence.
  • Secure your vehicle and remove valuables from your vehicle.

As an example, this past weekend a group of students were entertaining friends at their off-campus home. During the party, an individual unknown to anyone at the residence, entered the home and made off with several valuable items. Fortunately, an occupant noticed the individual and they notified the host who filed a report with the Springfield Police Department. An MSU substation officer investigated the incident and a short time later, located the suspect and obtained most of the items that were reported missing. The outcome of this could have been far different.

It is unfortunate some individuals will take advantage of a situation to make a few bucks. However, following these few simple safety measures can help you enjoy your night with friends rather than spending it with police trying to track down your stuff.

 

Threat Received by UMKC @ Brick City

by

Late this afternoon UMKC Pharmacy Program located in Brick City received an email which included threatening language. Brick City locked down while Springfield Police Department and Campus Safety responded to Brick City. Law enforcement is currently managing the threat in an off-campus location and Brick City has returned to normal operations since there is not a threat to campus.

 

Bicycle Thefts – Call to Action

by

There has been a rash of bicycle thefts over the past two weeks and Campus Safety needs your help in preventing these crimes from occurring.

  1. The above individuals have been banned from MSU property. If you see any of them on campus, contact Campus Safety at 836-5509 so we can have them removed.
  2. If you see anyone suspicious near the bicycle racks, call 9-1-1 or Campus Safety immediately.
  3. If you have not registered your bicycle, do so! Go to Transportation Services website for more information.
  4. Take a photo of your bicycle and the serial number to have for your records.
  5. If you do not have a U-lock style bicycle lock, get one! It is the best way to prevent bicycle theft since cable locks can be cut within seconds.
  6. If your bicycle is missing, call Campus Safety or 9-1-1 and make a police report.

The Springfield Police Department and Campus Safety have caught individuals removing bicycles from campus, but little could be done because the victim or victims have been unable to describe their bicycle or provide the serial number. The other issue is the failure to use a U-lock style bicycle lock. Cable locks do not provide protection against simple bolt cutters. Lastly, if you see the above individuals on campus, we want to know so we can have them removed. We need your help to stop bicycle thefts!

Let us know if you have questions.

 

Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice to host events on campus.

by

Open House – Monday, October 14th

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is having an open house on Monday, October 14th. The event will include a mock crime scene with the Springfield Police Department in the atrium of Strong Hall. The SPD will also have its crime scene van on display for students to see.

Cops on Campus event – Tuesday, October 15th

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is also hosting their annual Cops on Campus event. It will be held on Tuesday, October 15th. The Springfield Police Department will have its K-9 unit and SWAT vehicles on display at the Bear Head by the fountains. This event will occur from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is open for all students.