Lisa Elsworth, Author at Safety and Crime Alerts - Page 2 of 2

Safety and Crime Alerts

Staying Safe Together: Responding to an Incident at Meyer Library

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On the evening of January 23, 2025, University Safety responded to a report of suspicious behavior at Meyer Library. Thanks to the vigilance of library staff, the incident was handled quickly and safely, reinforcing the importance of our community working together to maintain a secure campus environment.

What Happened
University Safety received a call regarding a suspicious person who left a bag in the library and departed shortly after. Shortly afterward, the individual returned to the library, where University Safety officers and the Springfield Police Department contacted them. Due to the suspicious nature of the individual’s behavior, the Springfield Fire Department was also contacted to inspect the bag.

To ensure the safety of everyone in the library, students and staff in the immediate area around the bag were evacuated as a precaution. After a thorough investigation, the bag’s contents were found to be non-threatening.

The individual involved has been identified as a Missouri State student. While no charges are being filed at this time, the incident remains under investigation by University Safety and Student Conduct.

Why This Matters
This event underscores the importance of “if you see something, say something.” The quick-thinking staff at Meyer Library played a vital role in ensuring the safety of our campus by reporting suspicious behavior. Even though the situation turned out not to be a serious threat, taking proactive measures helped us act swiftly and appropriately.

Our Commitment to Safety
Missouri State University is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors. We understand that incidents like this can feel unsettling, but please know that every report is taken seriously, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure our campus remains a safe place to learn and grow.

How You Can Help

  • Report suspicious activity: If you see something that doesn’t feel right, contact University Safety immediately at [safety contact information].
  • Stay informed: Follow us at Safety and Crime Alerts – for updates and resources.
  • Know your resources: From campus safety escorts to emergency notifications, we’re here to help.

We want to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in responding to this incident, especially the staff at Meyer Library, for their quick actions. Your vigilance and cooperation keep our campus community safe and strong.

Let’s continue to look out for one another at Missouri State. Together, we can ensure that Missouri State remains a place where everyone feels safe and supported.

Stay safe!

E-Scooter Theft Alert: How to Keep Your Ride Safe

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What’s happening?

In the past week, we have received five reports of e-scooter thefts on campus. These thefts occurred at different bike racks and times, but they all have one thing in common: the scooters were left unlocked, secured with a weak lock, or improperly secured.

E-scooters are becoming more popular among students as a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around campus. However, they are also attractive targets for thieves who can easily sell them or use them for their own purposes.

How to prevent theft?

The best way to prevent your e-scooter from being stolen is to lock it properly whenever you park it. Here are some tips on how to do that:

  • Use a U-lock, not a cable lock. Cable locks can be easily cut with bolt cutters or other tools. U-locks are much harder to break and deter most thieves.
  • Lock your e-scooter to a sturdy bike rack, a fence, or a pole. Make sure the object cannot be lifted, cut, or removed.
  • Lock your e-scooter or bike through the frame, not the wheel. If you lock the wheel only, a thief can remove the wheel and take the rest of the scooter or bike.
  • Lock your e-scooter in a visible, well-lit area where there are people around. Avoid dark, isolated places where thieves can work undisturbed.

How to register your e-scooter?

Another way to protect your e-scooter is to register it with Campus Safety. This will help us identify and recover your scooter in case it is stolen or lost. Registration is free and easy; stop by the Transportation office located at 700 E. Elm to register.

To register your e-scooter, you will need the following information:

  • The make, model, and color of your e-scooter
  • The serial number of your e-scooter (usually found on the bottom or the side of the scooter)
  • A photo of your e-scooter
  • Your name, M#, email, and phone number

Once you register your e-scooter, you will receive a sticker with a unique code that you can attach to your scooter. This will help us verify that the scooter belongs to you and contact you if we find it.

What to do if your e-scooter is stolen?

If your e-scooter is stolen, you should report it to Campus Safety as soon as possible. You can call us at (417) 836-5509 or visit us at 700 E. Elm St. You will need to provide us with the following information:

  • The date, time, and location of the theft
  • A description of your e-scooter and its lock
  • The registration code and sticker of your e-scooter (if you have registered it)
  • Any other details or witnesses that may help us investigate the theft

We will file a report and try to locate and recover your e-scooter. We will also notify you if we have any updates or need more information from you.

Stay safe and ride smart.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the risks and precautions of e-scooter thefts on campus. We want you to enjoy your e-scooter and use it safely and responsibly. By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of losing your ride and help us keep our campus safe and secure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve and protect you.

Weapons Discharged Near Campus

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The Springfield Police Department is investigating an altercation in the 900 block of East Elm Street that occurred around midnight on March 8, 2024. The incident involved two groups of individuals where one individual used a weapon and fired shots in the air. The incident appeared to stem from an interaction between the individuals earlier in the day.

Safety Tips:
• Avoid engaging in conflict with unknown individuals.
• Request law enforcement rather than escalate disagreements.
• If a weapon is displayed, Run, Hide, or Fight, call 9-1-1 and Campus Safety at (417) 836-5509 immediately.