West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning Friday (Feb. 23) following recent burglary and arson reports at the same Life Sciences Building location on the WVU Downtown Campus.
On Feb. 21 at 9:04 a.m., UPD received a report of a burglary that was not in progress on the fourth floor of the Life Sciences Building. The suspect or suspects forcefully entered a faculty member’s office in the east hallway sometime between the afternoon of Feb. 19 and the morning of Feb. 21. Evidence of forced entry to the door lock, including burn marks, were observed by officers. The victim reported testing material was missing from the office.
On Feb. 23 at 8:08 a.m., UPD received a second report of a burglary that was not in progress on the fourth floor of the Life Sciences Building. Upon arriving on scene, officers discovered the same office was again forcefully entered overnight. New tool and burn markings to the office door were observed. At this time, nothing has been reported to have been stolen.
Following the second report on Feb. 23, UPD officers located five additional office doors on the floor that sustained similar damage, indicating attempted entry.
Officers are actively reviewing information as they work to locate the suspect or suspects. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call 203-293-COPS (2677) or visit UPD at 992 Elmer Prince Drive. Information may be shared anonymously.
WVU is committed to providing a safe campus for the protection of the University community. Find personal safety tips, advice and University services at safety.wvu.edu and police.wvu.edu.
The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.
- ALWAYS LOCK EXTERIOR DOORS. This includes dorm, apartment, office, house and car doors.
- Do not prop open automatically locking doors.
- Consider placing a wireless home security camera on your property when you are not present.
- Develop a routine to inspect locks on your doors, windows and other applicable areas to ensure they are working effectively and locked, especially at night.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 the WVU LiveSafe app.
- If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system, if available.
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 Rights and Responsibilities — 304-293-8111
- WVU Faculty and Staff Assistance Program — 304-293-5590
- Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center — 304-292-5100
- WVU Office of Campus and Community Life — 304-293-5611
- WVU Student Health — 304-285-7200
- WVU Division of Student Life — 304-293-5811
Students and employees are also encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page and @WVUsafety on X, formerly Twitter.
A Campus Warning is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.
-WVU-
UPD/2/23/24
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communications
University Relations
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-TODAY for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.