Campus Security & Public Safety

Thanks to some attentive Gonzaga students who quickly notified Spokane Police and Campus Security, two separate subjects were contacted, identified, and trespassed from the area. Residents in the 900 block of East Augusta called at about 9:30 PM to report a suspicious person in the backyard of their residence. SPD and Campus Security quickly contacted a person matching his description in the 900 block of East Indiana. Then, at about 10:00 PM, residents in 1000 block of East Sinto called to report a suspicious person in the backyard of their residence. SPD and Campus Security searched the area, but did not find the subject. The residents called again at 11:30 PM to report the same subject was back. SPD and Campus Security again responded and located a person matching the description walking near the area. Both subjects were white males, 33 and 50 years of age, wearing dark clothing. At least one of the subjects had been previously arrested for burglary and trafficing stolen property.

Here are some easy steps you can take to help protect your property:

* Lock your doors and windows. Keep curtains & blinds closed.

* Make sure all of your exterior lights are working.

* Report all crimes immediately. 911.

* Report suspicious persons and activities immediately. 911.

If you encounter a subject in your residence, do not attempt to confront them. Go to a safe place and call 911.

Passionate about security & safety on campus? Here’s your chance to join campus representatives as we walk and talk our way around campus, looking at everything from lighting to pedestrian safety. Meet us Wednesday, October 10th at 5:30 PM on the front steps of Crosby Student Center.

As the days grow shorter and the weather becomes more inclement, it’s more important than ever to follow these basic safety tips:

Safety tips for PEDESTRIANS:

Be safe and be seen: make yourself visible to drivers

• Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
• Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Cross in a well-lit area at night.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

Be smart and alert: avoid dangerous behaviors

• Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
• Don’t assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers, don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
• Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road.
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be careful at crossings: look before you step

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.
• Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON’T WALK signs.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
• Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Just because one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing. 

Pedestrian safety tips for DRIVERS:

Be alert: watch for pedestrians at all times

• Scan the road and the sides of the road ahead for potential pedestrians.
• Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians crossing.
• Don’t drive distracted or after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
• Do not use your cell phone while driving.
• Look carefully behind your vehicle for approaching pedestrians before backing-up, especially small children.
• For maximum visibility, keep your windshield clean and headlights on.

Be responsible: yield to pedestrians at crossings

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
• Yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections.
• Do not block or park in crosswalks.

Be patient: drive the speed limit and avoid aggressive maneuvers

• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
• Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at STOP signs.
• Use extra caution when driving near children playing along the street or older pedestrians who may not see or hear you.
• Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians.

Washington State Law Regarding Pedestrians & Crosswalks:

RCW 46.61.230
RCW 46.61.235
RCW 46.61.240

September 21 

A student reported their white K2 Dualshock mountain bike missing from the Coughlin garage bike rack. It had been secured with a U-lock. 

September 24 

A male subject and female subject were contacted by campus security after being observed acting suspiciously near the Catherine Monica bike racks. The female subject had a large pair of bolt cutters concealed in a backpack. Both subjects were trespassed from campus. 

September 25 

A student reported their black & yellow Fisher Blackberry Mountain Bike missing from the hand railing at Marian Hall. It had been secured with a cable lock.   

September 29

A student reported a front wheel taken from their bike while it was parked at the Dooley bike rack. 

October 1 

A student reported his white & blue Specialized mountain bike missing from a bike rack on the south side of College Hall. It had been secured with a U-lock. 

October 3 

A student reported their blue and black Trek mountain bike taken from the Dooley bike rack.

October 4 

Campus security officers contacted two male subjects after a security dispatcher noticed them on camera acting suspiciously at about 2 AM at the Coughlin bike racks. One of the subjects was found to be carrying a pair of 24” bolt cutters concealed inside his jacket.  Both subjects were trespassed from campus.

This individual is a person of interest in a burglary at Duffs last night about 10:35 PM. If you see her on or near campus, please contact Campus Security at 313-2222.

September 20

A student reported wheels removed from her bike secured to a stair railing at Corkery Apartments.

A student reported that most of his red/white Specialized Rockhopper was taken from the Twohy bike rack. His quick-release front tire was still firmly secured with a U-lock to the bike rack.

September 19

A student’s vehicle was broken into in the 500 block of East Mission. A wallet was taken.

September 17

A student reported her white Specialized Mica-Hard rock Mountain bike taken from a balcony at Corkery. The student did not lock the bike. 

A student reported her Fuji Nevado 19 inch bike taken from a bike rack at Sinto Apartments. She reported it had been secured with a U-lock.

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.

September 3

A student reported her white Cruiser style bike taken from a railing at Dussault. A cable lock was cut.

September 4

A student reported his blue Schwinn mountain bike with chrome basket taken from north side of Dussault underneath the stair case. It had been secured with a cable lock.  

A student reported his black & white Schwinn Cruiser style bicycle taken from the rack just south of DeSmet.  The student reported he had used a U-lock to secure the bike, but the U-lock was found at the bike rack undamaged.

September 5

A student reported his Red Giant brand mountain bike missing from the rack at the south east corner of Kennedy Apts.  It had been secured with a cable lock. See previous “Vehicle of Interest” post.

A student reported her blue & white Schwinn mountain bike missing from a patio post just outside of her apartment at Dussault.  It had been secured with a cable lock.

A student reported her green mountain bike taken from a railing in front of her residence at 1420 N Astor. A cable lock was cut.

September 6

A student reported his black/white Access mountain bike stolen from the bike rack on the north side of the Martin Centre. It had been secured with a cable lock.

A student reported his gold Kona NUNU mountain bike taken from an exterior stairwell at Burch Apartments. It had been secured with a cable lock.

If you’re keeping score at home, that’s 7 cable locks on 8 stolen bikes this week. 13 out of  15 so far. Thieves love cable locks. U-locks for $25+tax at the Security Office at Welch Hall.

Please advise Campus Security at 313-2222 if you see this vehicle on or near campus.

A student reported that on Friday, August 31 at about 3:30 pm she was jogging on the Kardong bridge when a white male riding a mountain bike reached out and grabbed or touched her as he passed.  He was described as in his thirties wearing dark sweat pants and a light colored shirt.  The student reported that he hooked his finger between her arm and chest and rode away without stopping.  The student was advised to file a report with Spokane Police department, which she did.

Although the campus area and Centennial Trail are generally considered safe, particularly in the daylight hours, suspicious incidents and crime occur at any time and place.  The best way to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution and common sense.  Be observant about what’s going on around you and walk with friends when possible.  Try to use busy, well-lit routes.

In addition, keep the following information in mind:

• 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.
• Utilize  Security escorts to travel across campus or to/from near-campus locations:  313-2222.
• Utilize Saferide or a taxi service if you need a ride back to your residence from  an off-campus location: call 568-8000.

Gonzaga students are statistically most at risk for serious crimes like assault and robbery when they venture off-campus on foot between 11:00 PM & 3:00 AM on weekend nights. Assaults – including some resulting in serious injury – may be committed by total strangers, or even fellow students. Alcohol consumption puts you at additional risk.  Make good decisions:

• If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings. DO NOT confront persons who act or appear they may become threatening.
• Utilize Saferide or a taxi service if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus or to/from near-campus locations: 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. 

 August 29

A student reported his black Diamondback mountain bike taken from the bike rack between Desmet & Crosby. It had been secured with a small chain lock.

A student reported his Black/Yellow KHS brand Road Bicycle taken from the bike rack at Dooley.

August 28

A student reported an amplifier, IPod, checkbook radio face plate removed from his vehicle while it was parked in the 100 block of East Sharp. Access was gained via a broken window.

August 26

Visiting parents reported their Cannondale F7 and K2 mountain bikes taken from a bike rack at Kennedy. They had been secured with a cable lock.

August 25

A student reported his blue and black Fezzari mountain bicycle taken from a bike rack at Kennedy. The bike was secured with a cable lock. The bike was later recovered (see previous blog post).

A student reported her blue Novarra mountain bike taken from the bike rack north of the Madonna entry. It had been secured with a chain lock.

August 24

A student reported his green Trek mountain bike taken from the bike rack between Desmet & Crosby. It had been secured with a cable lock.

At 9:15 am today, a student reported to Campus Security that she was assaulted around 8:40 am this morning while jogging on Centennial Trail near Legacy Field.  The student stated that while she was jogging, a black male, 5’9”, weighing about 200 lbs. between 20-25 years of age, wearing a black sweatshirt and dark pants and facial piercings attempted to strike her with a closed fist as she passed.  

The student stated the man attempted to hit her in the face, but that she was able to turn to avoid being hit in the face and instead was struck in the back.  The student added the aggravated assault was unprovoked.  The student was able to get away and call 911 with help from another student who was in the area.  Both students went to a friend’s house nearby for help.  Spokane Police responded and conducted a sweep of the area without locating the man.  Spokane Police completed a report and will follow-up. 

Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips: 

• 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.
• 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 or a taxi service if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus or to/from near-campus locations: 313-2222.

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.

A student reported to campus security at 7:00 PM today that he had been confronted by 3 heavy-set males that he believed to be Hispanic while walking with a friend north of campus near Standard & Augusta at about 2:00 AM Saturday. The student could not recall the age of the three subjects. The student reported that the three subjects tried to pick a fight with him, that his friend was able to safely walk away, and that he was struck once in the back of the head as he later walked away. The student reported that he was not injured, and did not notify security or Spokane Police at the time of the incident. The student was encouraged to make a police report.

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 or a  taxi service if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus or to/from near-campus locations: 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.

An alert Gonzaga Communications Officer noticed suspicious activity via surveillance cameras at the Coughlin garage at 12:20 AM this morning. Gonzaga Security Officers and Spokane Police responded and contacted a male subject and female subject, both riding bikes. The female subject was riding a blue Fezzari taken the previous morning from a Kennedy bike rack (see earlier blog entry). The male subject admitted to taking the Fezzari the previous morning, and was also found to be in possession of burglary tools, including a pair of bolt cutters. The bike the male subject was riding was also determined to have been taken from an off-campus location. Both subjects were trespassed from Gonzaga, and the male subject was transported to jail. The Fezzari was returned to the Kennedy resident.

A student’s bike was taken from Kennedy Apartments early this morning. It had been secured with a cable lock.  If you see the person in these pictures on or near the Gonzaga campus, security would like to know. Call 509-313-2222.

 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.



A student’s backpack was taken from Martin Center at 5:56 PM yesterday (August 22). If you see this person on or near the Gonzaga campus, security would like to know. Call 509-313-2222.

Also, this a good reminder not to leave valuables unnattended, even for a few seconds.