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WVU issues Community Notice for burglary, reminder to lock doors

This is a gold graphic. In blue text in the middle, the words 'Community Notice' are written. The outline of a bell sits above Community Notice.

West Virginia University issued a Community Notice after a burglary was reported Nov. 2 at 672 N. High Street. (WVU Graphic)

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West Virginia University   Police  reminds members of the campus and surrounding community to be vigilant and lock their doors after a burglary was reported Nov. 2 at 672 N. High Street.

U niversity Police met with members of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity (not recognized by WVU) who provided surveillance footage of a man entering an unlocked door of the residence and stealing multiple items between 7:40-8 a.m., Oct. 30.

UPD also reviewed additional surveillance video from the same morning where the suspect was seen  trying to gain access to 700 and 692 N. High Street through the front door of the respective residences. The suspect was also observed looking through trash and checking car doors in the area.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 25-35 years old, wearing a red hat, brown or dark-colored coat and multi-colored pants.

Officers are actively reviewing information as they work to locate the suspect. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call University Police at 203-293-COPS (2677) or visit the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive, Morgantown. Information may be shared anonymously.

Members of the University and surrounding community are also asked to help by locking all doors to residences and vehicles, particularly in the evening and when not in use.

WVU is committed to providing a safe campus for the protection of the University community. The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.

    ·       Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.

    ·       If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or WVUPD. 

    ·       Download WVU’s  LiveSafe app.

    ·       Inspect locks on doors, windows and other applicable areas to ensure they are working effectively.

    ·       Do not admit strangers into a residence hall, apartment or house. Limit the amount of personal information posted online. Never leave notes on an exterior door indicating you are out for the night or out of town.

    ·       Make sure to lock windows, doors and vehicles while you are away or not actively monitoring them.

    ·       Do not leave spare keys in places accessible to others.

    ·       Do not leave valuable items unattended or within view inside your vehicle. 

    ·       Ensure that your vehicle is locked when leaving it unattended. 

    ·       If you lose your key or ID, report it immediately so locks can be changed, and ID access suspended until a new ID has been issued. 

    ·       If you are confronted, cooperate. Give the criminal what he/she asks for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards, act. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call police immediately.

    ·       Always be aware of your surroundings.

    ·       Mark and record serial numbers of electronics and other valuables.

    ·       If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run for safety.

    ·       Know your neighborhood. Identify police and fire stations, libraries, emergency telephones – as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.

West Virginia University Resources:

    ·        WVU Police Department – 911 | 304-293-2677 | 304-293-3136

    ·        WVU CARE Team

    ·        WVU Carruth Center – 304-293-4431

    ·        WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – 304-293-5600

    ·        WVU Office of Student Conduct – 304-293-8111

    ·        WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program – 304-293-5590

    ·        WVU Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center – 304-292-5100

    ·        WVU Office of Campus and Community Life – 304-293-5611

    ·        WVU Student Health Service – 304-285-7200

    ·        WVU Division of Student Life – 304-293-5811

Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at  safety.wvu.edu  and also available at  police.wvu.edu .

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the  WVU Safety and Wellness  Facebook page and  @WVUsafety  on Twitter.

A Community Notice is part of WVU’s  three-tiered emergency notification system  used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

-WVU-

UR/11/03/22

MEDIA CONTACT: April Kaull
Executive Director of Communications
University Relations
304-293-3990;  akaull@mail.wvu.edu

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.

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