Unclaimed Property Auction

December 18, 2012 - Campus Police will be holding its annual auction of unclaimed property (calculators, jewellery, electronics, phones and other miscellaneous items) in the new year.

Date: Friday, January 4, 2013

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Location: Lawson Hall R-1155

 

Holiday Safety Tips

December 13, 2012 - Some important reminders for when you are away from your residence:

1. Lock the doors and windows to your residence and don’t hide a key under the door mat, rock, or some other obvious outside location;
2. Take your laptop and other valuables with you if you are going home for the holidays;
3. Contact Campus Police for electronic tracking support if your laptop is stolen;
4. Do not publicly post that you will be out of town or away from your residence;
5. Leave a low level light on inside when you are away and have the blinds partially closed;
6. Arrange to have your sidewalk and driveway cleared of snow to give the live-in look;
7. Ensure water is turned off inside your residence so outside faucets are not exposed to freezing;
8. STOP the newspaper and other deliveries;
9. Have a trusted friend pick up flyers and periodically check for water leaks, heat and security;
10. Inform a trusted neighbour you will be away and to report any suspicious persons to the Police;
11. Park your car near lighted areas and keep valuables in the trunk and out of sight;
12. Walk with a partner or group and avoid unlighted areas at night;
13. Be a good Neighbourhood Watch neighbour and report suspicious persons to Police, anytime.

Have a great holiday and we look forward to your safe return to campus.

 

Safety Tips

November 2012 - Campus Police and the USC want to remind you of a few safety tips to keep you safe all year.

 

Safe Campus App

October 19, 2012 – A Safe Campus App is now available for students, faculty and staff that have the free iWestern app on their cell phone.   One tap on the Safe Campus App opens a window and a second tap on an iPhone and most other phones opens any of the following:

Emergency and Support Contacts

Violence Continuum

Student in Difficulty advice

Campus Safety Map

Safe Campus Policy

Western Foot Patrol

Campus Police

Mental Health @ Western

This is a great source for information and resources at Western

Campus Police Reinforce Public Safety

October 10, 2012 - Students living on or off campus should not let down their guard when it comes to safety as the result of police arresting a suspect in series of break-ins in the vicinity of the university, said Elgin Austen, Director of Campus Police Services.

Bradley Priestap, 47, of London, who has a history of sexual assault convictions, faces numerous charges related to break-ins and voyeurism.    

At the start of the school year this fall, students were provided with safety education. Austen said, however, it is important to reinforce steps that people can take to safeguard themselves. “While London is a generally a safe community, crime can happen anywhere,” he said.  Austen said that is why it is important to regularly reinforce the kinds of measures that we should all be aware of and use. Some of those tips include:

·     Keep your doors locked when you are going out, even if it’s only for a short time

·     Never leave doors propped open as someone could slip in

·     Walk with a friend at night or call the Foot Patrol, which provides a free escort service on campus as well as to off-site neighbourhoods near Western.

·     When you are entering an apartment building or residence with a controlled entry, don’t let people you don’t know enter with you. You may feel your being unkind by denying them access, but your diligence will help keep everyone safe

·     If you see suspicious behaviours, call 911 and report it to police

 

Student's Awareness Leads To Arrests In Bike Thefts

September 28th, 2012 - Megan, a resident of Essex Hall, became suspicious when she saw two male persons loitering near the bike racks at Essex.   Because of a recent escalation in bike thefts, Campus Police recently posted an alert on the Campus Police web site as well as the main page of Western's home page.   Although she hadn't seen these postings, while she was watching the two males she saw the one cutting the chain lock with a bolt cutters which then were hurriedly placed in a back pack when they saw Megan watching.  They took off south on Western Road with one speed-walking and the other riding the stolen bike. Megan immediately reported to the desk staff in Essex and Campus Police were contacted.   Special Constable McWatt was detailed to attend at Essex Hall and London Police were notified.   A London Officer was about two blocks south, on Western Road, and spotted the thieves as soon as the dispatch was sent to their cruisers.   Special Constable McWatt and the LPS Officers arrested the thieves where they were stopped, and recovered the bike and seized the bolt cutters.  

Megan did a great job, according to Special Constable McWatt.   Her description of both individuals was detailed and spot on, including details of the bike that had been stolen.   Much better than many people that are trained in providing descriptions. We would like to congratulate Megan on the great job she did, taking time out on her birthday no less, to help apprehend thieves, and help maintain a safe campus.

Stolen Bicycles

September 20, 2012 - Over the past couple of weeks several bicycles are being stolen daily from the University grounds.   There doesn’t seem to be a pattern at this time and while some are stolen from areas around residences, others are being taken from various locations around campus.  Generally the chain holding the bicycle is cut with a bolt cutter but those secured with a U lock  seem to be avoided.   Campus Police request campus members to watch for anyone acting suspiciously around the bike racks and call 911 from a campus phone or 519.661.3300 from a cell phone if you are suspicious of an individual’s intentions.  From past history, those stealing the bikes are not from campus and the bicycles are sold elsewhere in the city, often after trading parts with other bikes.

For those wishing to improve security of their bike please contact Parking Services for a ‘secure’ locker.   The lockers are $10 per month, are at various locations, and can be rented in 4 month blocks.

 

Welcome to Western!

August 2012 - Campus Community Police Service would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Western! The next four years will be exciting and full of growth, and CCPS is here to help you have the best student experience. CCPS supports the safety and security of all individuals and enriches the quality of campus life, however safety is a shared responsibility. The tips below will contribute toward your own person safety and the safety of others:

• Always lock your doors. THIS INCLUDES ROOMS IN RESIDENCE. This will help prevent an intruder DAY OR NIGHT. If you start now, the action will become part of your day-to-day routine.
• Do not permit any open flame in your room for any reason. The lighting of candles, incense, and smoking materials in residence is hazardous.
• Don't leave your laptop unattended in public places. It only takes a second for it to be taken so keep it with you at all times.
• Communicate with your family and roommates. If you are leaving, let them know your plans and expected time of return. A phone-call saying you will be late will prevent unnecessary worrying. People care about you; be considerate.
• Alcohol consumption can greatly increase your vulnerability. If you decide to drink, designate someone in your group to remain sober to ensure that everyone gets home safely. In fairness, take turns being the designated person. Be aware of your beverages at all times.
• Walk with a friend at night, or use Foot Patrol. Walk home from class or the library with a friend, or call Foot Patrol at 519-661-3650.
• Never prop open residence or building doors . Anyone can slip in.
• Don’t let people in behind you when entering your residence. You may feel unkind by denying them access, but your diligence will help keep everyone safe.
• Report suspicious, erratic or unusual behaviour immediately. Even if you are not sure if there is cause for concern, trust your gut and call Campus Police.
• Follow campus policies. They are there to help keep you safe.

If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at 519-661-3300. We are open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. Call 911 in the event of an emergency.