In late June UVM Police received multiple reports of thefts of laboratory equipment, tools, and computers from buildings in the area of UVM’s Main Campus. Since then, UVM Police has received several additional complaints of theft and burglary similar to those initial reports. In several instances, property was taken or buildings were accessed because doors or other access points were open or unlocked. UVM Police has successfully solved and/or recovered property in several cases, while others are still under investigation. Below is a summary of recent reports of thefts and related activity on campus.

1. 19UV003503 – June 25, 2019: Two laptops and other laboratory equipment was stolen from Discovery Hall. The laptops were subsequently recovered from a location in New York State by UVM Police.
   
   
2. 19UV003521 – June 27, 2019: A wallet was stolen from a locker in the Waterman building, and credit cards from the wallet were used for purchases in Burlington. After a thorough investigation, UVM Police arrested two suspects for the offense.
   
   
3. 19UV003551 – June 29, 2019: Attempted vehicle break-ins were reported in the Harris Millis and MAT parking lots. A suspect has been identified through witness description and video investigation and is currently sought by UVM Police.
   
   
4. 19UV003650 – July 4, 2019: A UVM Police Officer witnessed two males steal one bicycle and attempt to steal a second from the CCRH Bike Hut, but was unable to apprehend the suspects at the time. The bicycles were recovered and UVM Police is looking for the owners so that they can be returned. Two suspects have been identified through video investigation. One suspect has been found and issued a trespass notice from campus, while the other is currently sought by UVM Police.
   
   
5. 19UV003681 – July 6, 2019: An employee in the Patrick Gym Complex reported two males attempting to break into an office in the building. The individuals fled the scene after being seen by the employee and were no longer present when UVM Police arrived. The suspects were unable to gain entry to the locked office and no property was found to be missing. This case remains under investigation by UVM Police.
   
   
6. 19UV003712 – July 8, 2019: Two doors inside Discovery Hall were found to be damaged in an apparent attempt to forcibly enter rooms containing electronics equipment. The attempted entry was unsuccessful and no property was found to be missing. This case remains under investigation by UVM Police.
   
   
7. 19UV003730 – July 9, 2019: A laptop was reported stolen from an office in the Waterman Building. No other property was found to be missing. This case remains under investigation by UVM Police.

These incidents constitute an unusual volume of this type of activity on campus. UVM Police encourages everyone to take extra precautions with regard to building and workspace security. Please take the time to double check that equipment is secure when leaving a workspace. Be sure to secure your rooms (doors and windows) and belongings, and do not leave items unattended in unsecured areas. If you notice any damaged or malfunctioning doors or locks, make a report to UVM Physical Plant to get them repaired. If you have concerns about the security of your workspace or campus environment, you can contact UVM Police for a security assessment and/or safety planning services.

We remind our community that if you witness concerning behavior or suspicious activity, you can take action by calling UVM Police. If you feel it is safe to do so, consider being an active bystander by making your presence known or approaching an individual directly by asking if they need assistance. Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency or if you witness a crime in-progress.

While theft is never the fault of the victim, you can take steps to protect and secure your property:

• Never leave your valuables unattended. A thief with a target in mind only needs minutes (and sometimes just seconds) to accomplish the theft.
• Record the serial number of each piece of your equipment and store this information in a safe place that is easily accessible if the items are stolen.
• Secure doors and windows when leaving a space unoccupied for any period of time.
• Do not leave valuables in plain view.
• Double-check that exterior doors are locked behind you if leaving a building after-hours. If you believe an exterior door should be locked and it is not, please call UVM Police at 802-656-3473.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR/ACTIVITY TO POLICE SERVICES – CALL 911 FOR ANY CRIME IN PROGRESS

Anyone with information regarding an on campus theft, including but not limited to the cases listed above, please contact UVM Police at 802-656-3473. Information can also be sent confidentially by visiting the UVM Police Services website at https://www.uvm.edu/police/forms/report-crime or by text to 847411 (tip411) and include the keyword UVM in your message.

 "Crime Awareness" is an integral component of "crime prevention." Knowledge that crimes occur encourages communities to actively participate in crime prevention efforts (e.g., locking doors, not walking alone, reporting suspicious activity to police) and, therefore, creates a safer environment. Lack of information invites complacency. The following message was approved for campus-wide distribution by the Department of Police Services Chief/Director Lianne Tuomey to advise you of these incidents, to promote safety on campus and, in part, to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990.

Alert sent on 07/09/2019 at 3:58PM EDT

To submit a tip via text message text UVMinactive and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: University of Vermont

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