University Police confront burglaries with Operation Winter Watch
Calling it Operation Winter Watch, University Police will be providing extra officers and extra patrols during nighttime hours to prevent burglary through the winter break, which runs from Dec. 16 to Jan. 17.
Updated: Man involved in stabbing identified, investigation ongoing
University Police are investigating an off-campus stabbing that resulted in one student receiving a non-life-threatening wound early Thursday morning. Investigators are asking for the community’s help in identifying the person in an image that was captured by a nearby security camera.
Fake embassy investigation
The student received a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Chicago. The caller said the student’s passport was connected with international crime and threatened the student with deportation. The caller instructed the student to wire $90,000 to an unknown account to avoid criminal charges. The student complied.
Campustown residents reminded of safety during fall break
URBANA — As the school enters its hiatus and many students leave campus, those who stay during the break should take precautions to make sure they stay safe.With fewer people in the area, that also provides criminals with more opportunities to commit crimes. But there are a few things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by an offender. “These are things we want our campus community members to be doing year-round, but the campus environment during the break makes these tips particularly helpful,” said Lt. Rachael Ahart. Use SafeWalks. The free walking escort services provided by trained Student [...]
Fake identity theft
A U. of I. student received a call from a person claiming to be a representative of the U.S. Postal Service who said the student’s identity had been stolen. The caller directed the student to purchase $2,000 in gift cards as payment for a new Social Security number. The student purchased the gift cards and transferred the card information to the caller.