UCPD and P&T are taking this opportunity to remind drivers who park in campus lots of a few effective crime prevention measures. In the calendar year of 2008, thefts occurred from sixty-seven cars that were parked in campus parking lots. UCPD notes that thefts from cars occur in one of three ways:
- The vehicle is unlocked
- The vehicle is locked, but the locking system is compromised, or a window is smashed
If you are a campus community member who drives and parks on campus you can help prevent theft from automobiles, and keep yourself and your belongings safe, by following these tips:
1. Deter would-be thieves
- Park in well-lighted, heavily-populated areas
- Take valuables with you if possible
- Do not leave any valuables visible—if you must leave items in your car, put them in the trunk out of sight.
- Lock your vehicle securely, double-checking windows and doors before you leave
TIP: Don't let your car give any clues about you. If a persistent thief manages to break in, don't let your vehicle be a key to your home or office. Remove all forms of identification from your vehicle. Make copies of your registration and insurance, and keep them in your wallet or purse.
2. Report suspicious activity
Blue light phones connect directly to UCPD. Don't hesitate to press the button on one of these phones. Let dispatchers know—
- Where you are
- What you saw, or what happened
- When you saw it
- If it's still happening
Or connect directly to UCPD by dialing 510-642-3333 from your cell phone. Program that number into your mobile adddress book and give it a quick key for easy access.
Above all, be aware of strangers and react if something doesn't seem right.
3. Keep yourself safe by using UCPD Night Safety Services
Faculty and Staff, as well as Students, might want to try UCPD Safety Services such as BearWALK or Owl Rides to get safely to and from campus and parking lots.
Community Service Officers (CSOs), student employees of UCPD, provide this service. They are uniformed, carry police radios and are trained in non-confrontational safety techniques.
The BearWALK Service operates every day of the year, providing a walking escort after dark until 2am. To request an escort, call 510/642-WALK (9255).
Our Owl Service also operates 365 days a year. Call 510/642-6760 after 2am to request a van ride to a destination within our service boundaries.
NOTE: Parking and Transportation’s BearTransit Night Safety Shuttles will resume standard service schedule when instruction begins again on Tuesday, January 20th, 2008. Daytime shuttles are operating on their regular schedule.
Know your Emergency Telephone Numbers:
UCPD, 1 Sproul Hall
Emergency Telephone Number via Campus Phone - 911
Emergency Telephone Number via Cell Phone – (510) 642-3333
Non-Emergencies Telephone Number - (510) 642-6760
Berkeley Police Department, 2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Emergency Telephone Number: 911
Emergency Telephone Number via Cell Phone - (510) 981-5911
Non-Emergency Telephone Number - (510) 981-5900
Come to UCPD
Still have questions? Police services are always available at Room 1 Sproul Hall. Enter through the south basement doors on the Bancroft Ave side of the building.
Explore the Site for More Safety Info:
UCPD encourages everyone to utilize our safety programs and services all year round. Take a minute to look over our campus safety guidelines and learn more ways to protect your vehicle, your belongings and yourself on campus and off. Stay informed of current crime activity in the campus area by reading crime alerts.