[URGENT] UIC Public Safety Advisory

 

Public Safety Advisory

Campus community:

We would like to inform you of a crime that recently occurred in the campus area to ensure you have the information you need to take the appropriate precautions.

On Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 12:49 p.m., an attempted robbery occurred at the Starbucks located in the ARC, 940 W Harrison. The offender presented a note demanding money but was unsuccessful in his attempt. The offender then entered the passenger side of a vehicle which fled westbound.

A short time later, a similar crime was attempted off-campus at Subway located at 1100 W Taylor. In this attempt, the offender indicated that he was armed with a gun. The offender was unsuccessful in this attempt as well and then fled northbound from that location. 

The offender was described as a male, 20-25 years-old, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans, and a medical mask. The offender fled in a 2016 Black Chevy Malibu, Illinois license plate FJ42549.

Regarding the first incident at Starbucks, UIC Police will lead the investigation. If you have any information about this incident or concerns about campus safety, please contact the UIC Police non-emergency number: 312-996-2830. Witnesses may remain anonymous by reporting through the Anonymous Incident Reporting Form.

Because the second incident did not occur on UIC property, the Chicago Police Department will lead that investigation. If you have any information about this incident, please call 311. Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Cook County Crime Stoppers at 800-535-STOP (7867) or by texting the word “CPD” followed by the information you want to provide to CRIMES (274-637).

UIC Police will provide updates as the situation warrants. For a more comprehensive look at crime in the campus area, see the daily crime log.

Public safety advisories are issued for relevant crimes that occur in our Clery geography. However, the UIC Police patrol area is much larger. UIC Police monitors this larger geographic area, together with the Chicago Police Department, to enhance community safety. UIC has more than 2,400 security cameras and 3,300 sensors posted around campus to deter crime and identify suspects. Detectives in our investigations division are trained to support and care for survivors of sexual assault and to investigate other violent crimes. Our security guards provide an extra layer of security, primarily around residence halls and libraries. Security guards can intervene or call police when they see unsafe conditions. Student patrol officers also provide observational security and Walking Safety Escorts, a free walking escort service for students, faculty and staff so they do not have to walk alone on campus.

Be aware. Stay informed. Together, we can secure our community.

  • Stay aware. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in campus areas with low visibility or limited foot traffic. Noise-canceling headphones are a definite no-no when walking.
  • Travel in well-lit areas. Stick to well-lit and heavily trafficked paths on campus, especially at night. Avoid shortcuts through dark or isolated areas.
  • Use the buddy system. Travel in groups when you can. When you can’t, request a Walking Safety Escort to accompany you.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and leave the area immediately.
  • Limit cash on hand. Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Use debit or credit cards for transactions when possible.
  • Avoid displaying valuables. Keep your phone, laptop and other valuable items out of sight when walking on campus. Don't advertise expensive possessions.
  • Use the UIC Police Safe Exchange Zone. Carry out legal swaps, sales or purchases in the UIC Police Department lobby at 943 W. Maxwell St.
  • Don't share personal information. Be cautious about sharing personal information online or with strangers. Robbers might use this information to target you.
  • Report suspicious activity. If you witness suspicious individuals or behavior, report it to the UIC Police non-emergency number: 312-996-2830.
  • Stay calm. If confronted by a robber, it's essential to stay calm. Cooperate and comply with their demands. Your safety is the top priority.

Please find below a list of resources available to you:

UIC public safety advisories are issued in accordance with a federal law (the Jeanne Clery Act) which requires universities to disclose information about certain crimes that may pose an ongoing threat to the campus community. To advance racial equity and social justice, UIC public safety advisories do not routinely use race, ethnicity or national origin as a descriptor.

UIC Police