UMUC Security Alerts

• June 21-23, 2008 - Theft/Vandalism
• March 24, 2008 - Automobile Theft
• February 29, 2008 - Shooting at Student Housing
• February 11, 2008 - Important Crime Prevention Tip
• October 9, 2007 - Vandalism
• October 8, 2007 - Automobile Theft
• September 18, 2007 - Carjacking
• September 8, 2007 - Assault

June 21-23, 2008

Incident:	Theft/Vandalism
Occurred:	Between June 21-23, 2008 / Unknown Time
Location:	PG Metro III

Brief Details:

Sometime between Saturday afternoon, June 21, 2008 and Monday morning, June 23, 2008, cubicles and offices within UMUC’s office space on the 7th floor of PG Metro III were rummaged through and looted. Multiple office suites throughout the building, other than UMUC, were also targeted. The suspects rummaged through desks and desk tops. Some office doors were damaged. Primarily, small items that could be quickly and easily carried away were taken. The incident occurred over the weekend between 11:35am, Saturday and 6:00am, Sunday.

The Hyattsville Police Department responded and performed extensive tests. There are no suspects at this time.

Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of the suspect/s are encouraged to contact the Hyattsville Police Department at (301) 985-5060, or UMUC Security Director at (301) 985-7471 or (240) 723-2423.

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Report suspicious activity to security and the police immediately.

March 24, 2008

Incident:	Automobile Theft
Occurred:	March 24, 2008, 5:10 p.m.
Location:	UMUC Lot 19, Adelphi, Maryland

Brief Details:

On Monday, March 24, 2008 a UMUC employee’s vehicle was stolen from parking lot 19. The vehicle was last seen at 1:51 p.m. when the owner parked the vehicle. It was discovered missing by the owner at 5:05 p.m. as the owner left for the day. Surveillance footage is currently being scrutinized by security and the police. Suspect information:  two males, approximately 15-20 years old, driving a green Honda Accord.

Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of the suspect(s) are encouraged to contact UMUC Security at 301-985-7371 or the University of Maryland Department of Public Safety at 301-405-3555. 

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Report suspicious activity to security and the police immediately.

February 29, 2008

Incident:	Shooting at Student Housing
Occurred:	February 29, 2008
Location:	University Town Center Student Housing

Brief Details:

In the evening hours of Friday February 29, 2008 a male victim was fatally shot by another male while both were visiting a female student in her apartment. Both males appear to be known by the female student and to each other.
According to the police, this does not appear to be a random incident.

Prince George’s county police are investigating the incident.

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Report suspicious activity to security and the police immediately.

February 11, 2008

Important Crime Prevention Tip – Preventing Theft from Your Vehicle

Several pieces of GPS (Global Positioning Systems) equipment have been stolen recently from vehicles parked on the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) campus and in the surrounding area.

GPS systems are usually mounted in the front window, which makes them clearly visible to potential thieves. Vehicle’s windows can be easily broken, and smash-and-grab-thefts only take a few seconds. Unfortunately, the mounts for GPS systems and even the rings they leave on windows once the mounts are removed can motivate thieves to break in to try to find the system, but placing them out of plain view will help reduce your risk considerably. 

Please remember that vehicles are vulnerable everywhere they are left parked. Expensive electronic equipment and other items left in plain sight make vehicles more attractive targets for theft.

To help protect your vehicle and possessions,

• Secure all loose items out of sight and remove any extraneous ones from your vehicle
• Do not leave your valuables or your parking access cards in your car
• Lock your doors, leave your windows completely closed

As always, report all suspicious persons or activities to UMUC security at extension 7371 (or at 301-985-7371 for those dialing from an off-campus phone) or to local authorities.

October 9, 2007

Incident: Automobile Vandalism/Attempted Break-In
Occurred: October 9, 2007 between 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location:  University Town Center,
                 Parking Garage B

Brief Details:

On Tuesday, October 09, 2007 a UMUC employee’s vehicle was damaged while parked in parking garage B, level 2. The vehicle had damage to the driver side lock cylinder. In addition, scratches were found around both lock cylinders on the driver side and passenger side doors. There was nothing damaged inside of the vehicle and nothing was removed.

The Hyattsville Police Department has made arrests in connection with this crime. Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of the suspect/s are encouraged to contact the Hyattsville Police Department at (301) 985-5060.

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Do not leave your parking access cards in your unattended vehicle. Report suspicious activity to security and the police immediately.

October 8, 2007

Incident: Automobile Theft
Occurred: October 8, 2007, during business hours
Location: University Town Center Parking Garage B

Brief Details:

On Monday, October 08, 2007 a UMUC employee’s vehicle was stolen from parking garage B, level 2 during regular business hours. On the morning of Tuesday, October 09, 2007 the Prince Georges County Police located the employees vehicle within the county. The vehicle was discovered abandoned with its ignition system damaged.

Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of the suspect/s are encouraged to contact the Hyattsville Police Department at (301) 985-5060.

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Do not leave your parking access cards in your unattended vehicle. Report suspicious activity to security and the police immediately.

September 18, 2007

Incident: Carjacking
Occurred: September 18, 2007 at 8:48 p.m.

Location: Easton Hall, University of Maryland College Park campus near UMCP Football Stadium

Brief Details:
On September 18, 2007 at 8:48 p.m., there was a carjacking incident at Easton Hall on the University of Maryland College Park campus (near the UMCP Football Stadium).  The vehicle was taken but the victims were not harmed.

We remind all to be cautious when approaching and entering your vehicle. Individuals with any information regarding this incident are asked to contact Security at (301) 985-7371

September 8, 2007

Incident: Assault
Occurred: September 8, 2007 at approximately 2:30am
Location: University Centre Parking Lot, 4716 Pontiac Street.

Brief Details:
On Wednesday September 12, 2007 a relative of the victim reported to UMUC Security that her nephew, a UMCP student, was assaulted while walking through the University Centre parking lot in the early morning hours of September 8. The victim and a friend were walking home from a party and took a short cut through the parking lot of University Centre. They noticed several other males standing in the parking lot near Pontiac Street. The two parties exchanged words and a fight ensued. The victim sustained numerous cuts and bruises and a damaged knee.

The victim reported the assault to the Prince Georges County Police and a report was taken. Suspects were described as young white males wearing polo style shirts.

Individuals with any information regarding this incident or the possible identity of the suspect are encouraged to contact the Prince Georges County Police at (301) 699-2601.

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Report suspicious activity to security and the police immediately.