Safety and Crime Alerts

Attempted Vehicle Theft Reported on Campus – March 17, 2026

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Missouri State University Campus Safety is sharing information about an attempted vehicle theft on campus on Tuesday afternoon.

On March 17, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., an individual attempted to steal a pickup truck in Parking Lot 35, located south of McQueary Hall.

The suspect, described as a Black male in his late 20s to early 30s with a thin build and short hair, was reportedly wearing a black jacket, dark-colored pants, and sunglasses. The suspect approached a pickup truck while the owner was standing near the vehicle and attempted to take the vehicle, apparently believing the keys were inside.

The attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspect left the area. It was also reported that the suspect had entered another unlocked vehicle in the same parking lot prior to the attempted theft.

At this time, law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, and the suspect has not yet been identified.

Safety Reminders for the Campus Community:

Incidents like this highlight the importance of taking simple precautions to protect your vehicle and belongings:

  • Always lock your vehicle, even if you are stepping away for only a moment.
  • Never leave keys inside your vehicle, including in the ignition or console.
  • Remove valuables from plain view or store them out of sight or take them with you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when approaching or leaving your vehicle.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately to Campus Safety or local law enforcement.

Use the Bear Shield App

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to download and use the Bear Shield safety app, Missouri State’s official campus safety mobile app. Bear Shield provides several tools designed to enhance personal safety on campus, including:

  • One-touch emergency contact with Campus Safety
  • Safety timer and virtual escort features
  • Direct access to safety resources and reporting options
  • Important safety notifications and alerts

Downloading and using the Bear Shield safety app helps Campus Safety communicate important information quickly and provides additional safety tools for members of the campus community.

Campus Safety and local law enforcement continue to work closely together to monitor campus activity and respond quickly to incidents. Community awareness and prompt reporting play an important role in maintaining a safe campus environment.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in Lot 35 around the time of the incident is encouraged to contact Campus Safety.

University Safety Monitoring Off-Campus Incident

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Late Thursday night, January 15, 2026, Springfield Police Department responded to a shooting near the intersection of South Kimbrough Avenue and East Elm Street, located adjacent to the Missouri State University campus. One individual was fatally injured, and a suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

University Safety was immediately aware of the incident and closely monitored the situation in coordination with local law enforcement. Based on confirmed information from Springfield Police, the incident was isolated, and there was no active threat to the Missouri State University campus. Springfield Police have confirmed that neither the victim nor the suspect are affiliated with Missouri State University.

Campus Safety personnel remained vigilant throughout the response and continued monitoring until the scene was secured and the situation stabilized. The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remains our top priority, and University Safety will continue to work closely with our public safety partners to keep the campus community informed and safe.

We encourage anyone with safety concerns to contact University Safety at any time at 417-836-5509.

Lock It Right: Preventing E-Scooter Thefts at Missouri State

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Electric scooters have become one of the most popular ways to get around Missouri State’s campus — they’re fast, fun, and eco-friendly. But with their rise in popularity has come something less welcome: a rise in scooter thefts.

Since the beginning of the semester, several e-scooters have been stolen from campus bike racks. In nearly every case, the scooters were not secured with the required U-lock — instead, they were left unlocked, loosely chained, or secured with thin cable locks that can be cut in seconds. This photo shows a properly secured e-scooter:

Scooter locked using U-Lock

Campus Safety is asking all students, faculty, and staff to take a few extra seconds to lock smart and lock right.

Why MSU Requires U-Locks

Our campus policy requires that all e-scooters parked on university property be secured using a U-lock (also called a D-lock). This isn’t just a rule — it’s your best defense against theft.

Here’s why:

  • Hard to cut: U-locks are made of hardened steel and resist bolt cutters far better than cable locks.
  • Secures the frame: They allow you to lock the scooter’s frame (not just the wheel) to a solid rack.
  • Fast deterrent: Thieves target easy opportunities. A scooter with a U-lock takes time, tools, and risk to steal — most won’t even try.

How to Properly Secure Your Scooter

When parking your scooter:
1. Use a U-lock every time — even if you’ll be gone for just a few minutes.
2. Lock the frame and one wheel to the bike rack or fixed anchor.
3. Avoid handrails, fences, or signs — only use approved racks.
4. Pick visible, well-lit areas near entrances or security cameras.
5. Register your scooter with Transportation Services — it helps us return recovered scooters faster.

If you’re unsure how to lock your scooter properly, stop by the Campus Safety/Transportation office at 700 E. Elm Street or look for our ‘Lock It Right’ posters around campus.

What Campus Safety Is Doing

  • Increased patrols around high-traffic scooter racks.
    • Expanded camera monitoring near common parking zones.
    • Collaboration with Springfield Police to track and investigate reported thefts.

Policy Reminder

Under the Missouri State University Transportation and Safety Policy:

“All personal e-scooters and bicycles must be secured with a U-lock when stored on campus racks. Improperly parked or unsecured scooters may be impounded by Campus Safety.”

This policy helps keep campus walkways clear, property secure, and thefts down — and it only works when everyone does their part.

Final Thoughts

Your e-scooter is an investment — protect it like one. A $40 U-lock could save you from a $400-$800 loss.

Take a few seconds to lock it right every time you park. Together, we can keep campus rolling safely.

If you notice suspicious activity near bike or scooter racks, contact Campus Safety at (417) 836-5509 or through the Bear Shield app.

Missouri State University Campus Safety is committed to protecting what moves Bears forward at MO State!

Vehicle Theft Alert: Kia Stolen from Campus Parking Lot – Free Steering Wheel Locks Available

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On Sunday, April 6th, Missouri State University Campus Safety received a report of a stolen vehicle from a university parking lot. The vehicle—a Kia manufactured within the years most targeted by thieves—was taken in what is believed to be a quick and opportunistic theft.

Unfortunately, Kia and Hyundai vehicles produced between 2012 and 2021 are known targets for auto theft nationwide due to a security vulnerability. Many of these vehicles lack an engine immobilizer, which makes them easier to start without a key using basic tools. This issue has been widely circulated on social media and continues to impact campuses and communities across the country.

Protect Your Vehicle

Campus Safety wants to remind students, faculty, and staff that if you own a Kia or Hyundai vehicle manufactured between 2012 and 2021, you may be at increased risk for theft.

To help protect your vehicle, Missouri State University Campus Safety is offering free steering wheel locks to students who own these high-risk models. These locks are a simple but effective deterrent to would-be thieves.

How to Get a Free Steering Wheel Lock:

  • Bring your BearPass ID
  • Bring proof of vehicle ownership or registration
  • Visit the Campus Safety office at 700 E. Elm during normal business hours

Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stay Aware & Take Precautions

  • Always lock your car and take your keys
  • Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible
  • Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight
  • Consider installing a vehicle alarm or aftermarket immobilizer

If you see suspicious activity around campus parking lots, report it immediately to Campus Safety at (417) 836-5509.

Campus Safety remains committed to supporting a safe and secure environment for all members of the Missouri State community.

Protect Your Ride: Preventing Electric Scooter and Bike Thefts on Campus

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Missouri State University Safety wants to alert students about a recent increase in thefts of unsecured electric scooters from campus bike racks. On March 13, 2025, two electric scooters were stolen after being left unsecured. These incidents highlight the importance of properly securing your bike or scooter to prevent theft.

How to Keep Your Bike or Scooter Safe

  • Use a U-Lock – Cable locks are easy to cut. A sturdy U-lock is the best deterrent against theft. Secure both the frame and the front wheel to a bike rack.
  • Register Your Bike or Scooter – Registering with University Safety makes it easier to recover your property if stolen and helps law enforcement track stolen items. Register yours today:
    Bike & Scooter Registration Form
  • Park in Well-Lit, High-Traffic Areas – Thieves prefer low-visibility targets. Locking your bike or scooter or bike in a visible, well-lit location makes it less attractive to criminals.
  • Take Accessories With You – If your bike or scooter has a removable battery or other detachable parts, take them with you when you leave.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Report any suspicious activity around bike racks to University Safety immediately at 417-836-5509.

These recent thefts serve as a reminder that taking a few simple precautions can help protect your property. If you have any questions or concerns about bike and scooter security, contact Missouri State University Safety.