2021 Fall Safety Tips and Burglary Prevention

November 16, 2021

 Police

Dear campus community,

As the Fall semester winds down and we look ahead to winter break, we want to help you stay safe and protect your belongings. Recently, there has been an increase in thefts and break-ins, on and around campus, and this is a trend we are seeing across the nation. In response, we are now conducting an analysis of the evolving public safety needs of the campus with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. Our goal is to address these safety challenges in ways that ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, and welcome. We will provide updates on our efforts.

You may also be noticing an increase in "WarnMe" crime and safety tip messages that might be lacking in detail. This is due in part to the federal Clery Act which mandates that we communicate, in a timely manner, basic information (crime, location and safety tips) regarding threats which may be ongoing. We can assure you that our officers are investigating and following up on all available leads, and collaborating with the City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) for crimes occurring in BPD’s jurisdiction. Our officers also conduct patrols of the areas where crimes are occurring, and provide crime prevention education and outreach to nearby residents.

UC Police Department (UCPD) reminds members of the  campus community to use safe conveyance programs such as BearWALK night safety services, or walk with a friend, or in a group. BearWALK operates starting at dusk, 7 days a week, and you can book a BearWALK through our phone app or via phone at 510-642-WALK (9255). We understand there have been concerns about the wait times for BearWALK night safety services, and we have responded. We have completed the recruitment of additional student Community Service Officers (CSOs) and nearly doubled our BearWALK staffing so we can reduce wait times.

Please keep these additional safety tips in mind:

Personal Safety Tips

  • Place electronics, cell phones and other valuables out of sight while out and about.
  • Travel with a friend and stay in well-lit, well-traveled areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Set passwords on your electronic devices to protect your information.
  • Consider using tracking software to aid in locating your devices.
  • If approached, remain calm, make a mental note of the suspect and vehicle description, get to safety, and call the police.

Burglary/Theft Prevention

  • In your office, secure your windows/doors and either lock up or take valuables home with you.
  • In your car or residence, lock your doors/close windows.
  • Take valuables with you or secure them out of sight in the trunk of your car.
  • Park in lighted areas.

Mail/Package Theft Prevention

  • Set up alerts or tracking with the sender.
  • Sign up for informed delivery through USPS.
  • Never leave mail overnight.
  • Beware of “Phishing” online scams that may attempt to solicit personal identifying information.
  • Don’t open the door to unsolicited guests unless you feel safe to do so.

With the Fall semester drawing to a close, we have much to reflect on. Thank you for being vigilant in addressing crime prevention, and we will continue to work to reduce crime and improve safety on our campus.

Best,
Margo Bennett
Chief of Police
Marc Fisher
Vice Chancellor, Administration

This message was sent to all UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students.

If you are a manager who supervises UC Berkeley employees without email access, please circulate this information to all.

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