Campus Crime Alert 2018-11-30

What is this notice? Campus Crime Alerts are released by the University of Oregon Police Department when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property, and in compliance with federal law. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement.

A University of Oregon student told UO Police that an unknown man tried to take his backpack on Agate Street just south of 13th Avenue, near Boynton Hall at about 8:00 a.m. on Friday morning, November 30. The student fought back and kept his backpack, while the suspect fled.

The student described the man as white, about 25 years old, medium build, about 5-foot-8 tall, with short dark hair and facial hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with white lettering on the left breast side, a tannish-green vest with hood, baggy bluejeans, and gray running shoes with dark laces. A security camera image of the suspect was shared with local law enforcement, and police searched the area for the man but did not find him.

This case is unresolved. Anyone with information about this or similar incidents should contact UOPD at 541-346-2919. Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be posted on the UOPD website at police.uoregon.edu. Campus crimes and safety concerns can always be reported to UOPD, 24 hours per day, at 541-346-2919.

SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD

No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing such a crime, or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance.

  • It is a crime to intentionally touch someone against his or her will, regardless of the situation.
  • Bystanders should try to be aware of their surroundings, and if there are signs of a person in distress, bystanders should make themselves known and offer assistance if it is safe to do so, and/or seek immediate help from police or security personnel. Ducks protect ducks.
  • Every person and situation is different; survivors must decide for themselves what actions or responses are safest in any situation. If someone attempts to touch you against your will, you have the right to yell "NO" loudly, or do whatever is necessary to get the person to let go, and flee to a safe place and seek help. When safe, try to remember as much as possible about the person's appearance and behavior. Regardless of what happens during an incident, you have the right to report the crime and to receive services and accommodations.
  • Assaults by strangers are far less common than assaults by people known to survivors. Self-defense classes can prepare people to deter or escape an assault, and have benefits for improved awareness and confidence. Credit courses are available from the Physical Education department and from UOPD.
  • At night or off-campus, students are encouraged to use ride options like UO Safe Ride (541-346-RIDE ext. 2) or Designated Driver Shuttle (541-346-RIDE ext. 1), or the UO Campus Shuttle (map.uoregon.edu/campus-shuttle), call a taxicab or ride-hailing service, or contact UOPD for an on-campus escort (541-346-2919). 
  • For emergencies or if you see a crime being committed, call 9-1-1. To report suspicious, illegal or unusual activity on campus, call UOPD at 541-346-2919.
  • Download the UO Mobile App for easy access to safety resources, safe ride options, and maps.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME

  • Survivors have a right to report crimes to police and have crimes investigated and/or prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.
  • Survivors and victims of crime seeking support should call the Office of the Dean of Students: 541-346-3216. For support related to sexual assault, harassment, and gender-based violence, call the SAFE hotline: 541-346-SAFE (7233) or visit safe.uoregon.edu.
  • For students, personal counseling and other support services are available through the University Counseling and Testing Center, 541-346-3227 (available 24 hours).
  • For students, medical and sexual assault examination services are available at University Health Center, 541-346-2770. 
  • For employees, the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 541-346-3123, and Office of Human Resources, 541-346-3159, can assist in connecting to resources.
  • Other community resources available are Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS), 541-343-7277 (24 hour crisis line) or 541-484-9791, Womenspace, 541-485-8232 or 541-485-6513 (24 hour crisis line), and White Bird Clinic Counseling, 541-342-8255 541-687-4000 (24 hour crisis line).