Campus Security & Public Safety

Every year about this time, we receive reports of individuals soliciting magazine sales at residence halls on campus, and at residences in the surrounding neighborhood. In the past, these individuals have sometimes gained access to residence halls and apartments by “tailgating” behind a student who is entering. These individuals do not have permission to enter Gonzaga residences, and/or solicit on the Gonzaga campus. If you see them anywhere on campus, please contact GU Security immediately at 313-2222.

An important reminder: you should NEVER allow access to your residence hall to anyone who is not a resident, an authorized staff member (who should be able to provide GU identification) or accompanied by a resident or authorized staff member.

The annual Hot Wheels survey from the National Insurance Crime Bureau examines all auto theft data, regardless of whether the targeted cars and trucks were insured. One reason so many older models make the list is that newer ones tend to come with improved anti-theft technology, the bureau says. The group’s Hot Wheels report for 2012 lists the models that were most frequently reported stolen in data for 2011 submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center.

The newest model in the top 10 is from 2006. The bureau has said certain older vehicles attract thieves because of the value of their parts.

Could the car in your driveway wind up in a chop shop? See if it’s among the 10 most-stolen vehicles.

1994 Honda Accord

The ’94 Accord has been on a “hot” streak — it tops the list for the fourth consecutive year.

1998 Honda Civic

The ’98 Civic replaces the ’95 model, which ranked at or near the top of the list for several years.

2006 Ford full-size pickup truck (any model)

Detroit automakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler represent half the vehicles in this year’s top 10.

1991 Toyota Camry

The ’91 Camry makes its third straight appearance on the list.

2000 Dodge Caravan

This year/model has been one of the 10 most-stolen vehicles since 2008.

1994 Acura Integra

Thieves have been helping the ’94 Integra crack the top 10 since 2007.

1999 Chevrolet full-size pickup truck (any model)

Drive this kind of Chevy to the levee, and later it might be gone.

2004 Dodge full-size pickup truck (any model)

Full-size pickups are those with the capacity to carry a half-ton or more.

2002 Ford Explorer

This SUV holds the No. 9 spot for the third year in a row.

1994 Nissan Sentra

So many older models make the list because newer ones tend to come with improved anti-theft technology, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says.

 Bike thieves love cable locks. Invest $25 and buy a U-lock at the campus security office. Heck, at that price buy two and make it really tough on them.



Join us on Tuesday, August 7th 6-8 PM on the lawn between Welch & Desmet for some great David’s Pizza and a chance to chat with your neighbors and public safety representatives.

August 1, 2012

Security Notice – Attempted Robbery reported

This afternoon a Gonzaga student reported around 930PM last night (July 31) while walking with another student in the 200 block of Sinto, they were approached by a white male medium build, average height, dark curly hair wearing black shorts and a white shirt.  The students also reported the man was riding a BMX style bicycle. On approach, the man demanded they hand over their money.  The students also stated the man had his hand in a bag leading them to believe he may have been armed.  However, both students stated the man never brandished a firearm.  The students were able to run to a populated area and the man left the area. The two students did not contact GU Security or Spokane Police at the time of the incident.  Although the descriptions from this security notice and the notice sent July 31 are similar, they do not appear to be the same man. A report was filed with Spokane Police Department and they are investigating.

Gonzaga
community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings.

• Utilize Saferide if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus: 313-2222.
• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).
• Once you are in safe place, report all crimes immediately to police at 911 and GU Security at 313-2222.

JULY 31, 2012

Security Notice –Robbery reported Division Street

Employees at the Zip’s located on Division Street reported to 911 that around 9:40pm a white male, balding, unknown age wearing a white t-shirt, black shorts and white athletic shoes robbed the location.  According to initial reports to responding police officers, the man did not brandish a weapon. However, Spokane Police have not determined if a weapon was or was not involved.   Spokane Police initially established a perimeter from Division to Astor around 9:55pm in an attempt to locate the man.  Spokane Police relayed to Gonzaga Security that the man might have headed east bound towards campus.  At 10:00pm, the police extended the perimeter to Dakota.   At 10:10pm, SPD officers terminated the perimeter, and cleared the area.  A sweep of the area was conducted by responding SPD officers without locating the man.   The man’s direction of travel is unknown at this time.  The police are still conducting interviews and gathering information.

Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

• If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Utilize Saferide if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus: 313-2222.
• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).
• Once you are in safe place, report all crimes immediately to police at 911 and GU Security at 313-2222.

To learn more about Gonzaga Campus Public Safety & Security, including information about incidents on campus and in the neighborhood and ways that you can stay safe and protect your property, visit http://blogs.gonzaga.edu/campo/

http://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=1342075&AgencyID=54488

Spokane Police Crime Analysis experts have seen a 38% increase in vehicle prowling activity in the past year and while SPD continues to combat these crimes by responding to and arresting offenders, the department is taking a proactive approach with the “Remove it or Lose it” campaign. The campaign offers tips to prevent vehicle prowling from information gathered from victims of the crime (most had left valuables in sight, etc.)

“Remove it or Lose it” offers the following tips to citizens:

• Park your car in a well lit or high traffic area
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight inside your car
• Keep your car doors locked
• When shopping, lock bags in the trunk
• If you see someone in your car, call 911

Reuben Joe John Olveda is a registered level 3 sex offender. Level 3 offenders are considered “a high risk to re-offend within the community at large”.

http://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=751335&AgencyID=54488

Sex offender classification FAQ: http://www.communitynotification.com/cap_safety_1.php?office=54488

SEATTLE – Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna today warned consumers about a text-message trap to capture financial information and drain credit card and bank accounts. Such text message scams are called “smishing.”

“If you don’t wish to be smished, ignore text messages that look like they’re coming from your bank or credit card,” McKenna said. “Flip over your credit or ATM card and call the number on the back. If there’s a problem with your account, that’s the best way to find out.”

Consumers began contacting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division early this week complaining about calls to their cell phones from those posing as Wells Fargo employees. An automated voice suggested that the customer’s account has been breached and directed them to “press one” for assistance. They were then connected to a person who asks for sensitive account information.

Many of the calls came to those who don’t even have Wells Fargo accounts. As the week progressed, the scam morphed to text messages from those posing as representing Bank of America, Chase, Citibank and Capital One.

“Phishing” scams trick consumers into turning over account numbers, PINs, credit card security codes, usernames, passwords and other sensitive information. “Smishing” is a similar scam launched over SMS (Short Message Service) messages – better known as text messages.

Scammers have long phished by phone and email. The text scam is a somewhat new variation. The Attorney General’s Office recommends that consumers never respond to any message requesting account or personal information. Instead, contact the institution using a phone number from a statement or from your bank or credit card company’s official Web site.

Phishing and smishing are criminal acts that the state Attorney General’s Office lacks authority to investigate. Consumers contacted by such scammers should file a complaint with the FTC: http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm. Federal law enforcement monitors complaints filed through the FTC.

Consumers concerned they may have revealed sensitive information in a phishing or smishing scam should contact their bank or credit card company, if applicable, and monitor their bank statements, credit card bills and credit reports to watch for suspicious activity.

A student emailed Campo and reminded us that not all students (and staff and faculty) may know about the blue light phones….and how to use them. So…here you go:

There are twenty “blue light” phones located throughout exterior areas of campus. These phones have a direct dial connection to the Campus Security dispatcher and can be used to request an officer response or report an incident. The phones are easily recognizable. They are mounted on an eight foot stanchion which is painted a light color. A highly visible blue light at the top of the stanchion is illuminated after dark. The phones are easy to use. Simply open the door to the phone box and push the red button. There is no handset. You will be connected directly to the Security dispatcher. The location of the phone is automatically displayed to the dispatcher.

2007 GUTV News segment on blue light phones:

On August 12, A non-student visiting a student in the 500 block of East Sinto reported that she parked her 2003 Subaru  overnight and discovered it missing in the morning. A few minutes after receiving the report, a Gonzaga security officer located the vehicle in the 900 block of East Sinto. Several items, including a laptop and GPS unit, were missing. There was no damage to the vehicle. A “hide-a-key”, normally secured under one of the bumpers, was found to be missing.

For more information on vehicle thefts in Spokane, check out this previous blog post.

Renters insurance for college students

If you are a college student who rents an off-campus apartment or house while away at school, you should think about buying renters insurance. This coverage will protect your personal property if it gets damaged, destroyed or stolen, such as your computer, television, stereo, bicycle, or furniture.

Even if you are a dependent under your parent’s insurance, your personal property, in many cases, is not covered if you live off-campus. Your parents should check their policy or contact their insurance agent to see if their homeowner insurance will protect you while you are away at school.

KHQ story on Centennial Trail “Grabber”

http://www.khq.com/category/195686/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6117031

Like a lot of other parts of the country, Spokane is experiencing a surge in vehicle thefts. I found this article in a recent Inlander edition:

 http://www.inlander.com/spokane/article-16695-dude-where-are-our-cars.html

Consider a steering wheel lock if your car is in the "top 10"

For 2009, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 2009 Toyota Corolla

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Bike theft is a particular challenge on almost all college campuses. Many students, staff, and faculty like to commute on and around campuses by bike. Cable locks are almost useless in deterring the theft of an expensive bike. Thieves come armed with pocket-sized cable and bolt cutters. Even U-Locks can be compromised with a little effort by bolt cutters, pneumatic jacks, and cordless metal saws. Our best advice to those who want to ride:

• Consider buying a lower-end bike (there are some great used bikes out there for $100-200) to get you around, and make sure you lock it with a U-Lock (NOT a cable lock). We sell U-Locks at the security office if you don’t have one.
• If you want to bring an expensive bike to campus, make sure you have a place to store it inside. Thieves often target newer Specialized, Trek, and Gary Fisher bikes or bike parts, and are difficult to catch because of the relative speed with which they can cut a lock.
• Register your bike with campus security and take a picture of it.
• And, please bring a helmet. It’s the law in Spokane.

This person was observed checking several bike racks on the west campus and was uncooperative when contacted. If you see him on campus, please contact campus security at 313-2222.