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 [...]

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Illinois – The University of Illinois Police Department is making preparations to keep students and community members safe so they can enjoy the Halloween weekend without any unwanted scares. Halloween and the weekend preceding it tends to bring an increase in activity at Campustown bars and off-campus house parties. That in itself is not a problem – but some of the alcohol-fueled activity puts people in danger when they become too intoxicated to care for themselves or when the alcohol contributes to unsafe decisions. “We want our students to be able to socialize and enjoy their free time, but [...]

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Illinois — The popularity of electric scooters and bikes has accelerated in the last few months, and University of Illinois Police have seen a corresponding increase in the number of those devices being reported stolen. Meanwhile, conventional bicycles continue to be a target for thieves, especially when they are locked only with a cable lock. University Police are taking steps to address the increase in thefts — they have already made four arrests and have identified at least two more people of interest in a series of incidents. That investigative work, in concert with the redeployment of anti-theft bikes, [...]

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois – Community members may notice some additional road closures around Memorial Stadium on Friday as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prepares to celebrate Homecoming. Kirby Avenue between First Street and Fourth Street will be closed beginning at noon Friday and remain closed until after the football game on Saturday.First Street between Stadium Drive and Kirby Avenue will be closed beginning at noon Friday and remain closed until after the football game on Saturday.Fourth Street between Kirby Avenue and Gregory Drive will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. Friday and will reopen immediately following the Homecoming parade.Gregory Drive between [...]

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Clery compliance is housed within the Division of Public Safety. Clery Compliance Coordinator Kate Kaput shared insight into what the Clery Act is and what requirements the university must abide by under the federal law.