SMU Police Department Blog

Campus security is a priority for the SMU Police Department but personal safety should be an everyday concern. Take precautions; follow these tips to reduce your chance of becoming a victim:

- At all times, be alert and aware of your surroundings
- Avoid jogging or walking alone, particularly after dark
- Avoid shortcuts, deserted areas, poorly lit streets, alleys and pathways

www.smu.edu/pd

CLICK HERE for more safety tips from the SMU Police Department

OFF-CAMPUS
CRIME ALERT

March 27, 2009

STUDENT ASSAULTED NEAR CAMPUS

A female student reported that she was assaulted about 6 a.m. today near SMU Boulevard and Boedecker Street as she rode her moped to campus.

The student said she had stopped at the intersection, located in University Park, after thinking something was wrong with one of her tires. As she was checking her tire, a man attacked her. He pushed her to the ground and began to choke her, but she fought back. He ran away and she rode to campus, where she reported the attack.

She described her attacker as a white or Hispanic male, about 6 feet tall, medium build and wearing a dark or blue hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information about this matter is asked to contact the SMU Police Department at 214-768-3388. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at http://www.smu.edu/2tip

Protecting Yourself
* Be mindful of your safety at all times.

* If you are the victim of a crime or see something suspicious, call police immediately at 911. Time is of the essence in such situations.

* Avoid traveling alone in the dark.

* Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and garages. Have your keys ready as you approach your car, and always lock your doors after entering.

OFF-CAMPUS CRIME ALERT

April 8, 2009

Police warn of robberies near Mockingbird Lane

Dallas police are warning that a series of robberies targeting women have occurred recently near Mockingbird Lane between North Central Expressway and Abrams Road.
Since February, five women - none of them affiliated with SMU - have reported being robbed while in or near their cars. In all but one case, the suspect demanded the woman's purse and car keys, and then fled in her car. None of the women reported being injured.
The descriptions of the suspect or suspects are somewhat similar but it is not known if the crimes were committed by the same person. The suspects are described as black male(s) between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 160 to 180 pounds. He(they) are believed to be 35 to 45 years old with missing teeth or gaps in the teeth.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call the Dallas Police Department's Robbery Unit at 214-671-3584 or the SMU Police Department at 214-768-3333.

Protecting Yourself
* Be mindful of your safety at all times.

* If you are the victim of a crime or see something suspicious, call police immediately at 911. Time is of the essence in such situations.

* Avoid traveling alone in the dark.

* Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and garages. Have your keys ready as you approach your car, and always lock your doors after entering.

The carjacker responsible for as many as 4-5 carjackings was captured by the Dallas Police Department Monday evening on 04/13/2009. He went to a laundrymat on Mockingbird Ln. across the street from Tom Thumb. He took a woman's car keys and went right to her vehicle in the parking lot. The woman said she followed him and told him that was not his car. He got in the vehicle and she told him again "that is not your car" and he pulled a knife out and sped away in the car. The woman called the police and they responded immediately and saw the suspect turning from Mockingbird Ln. south onto Central Expressway. The police followed him until they were able to put spikes out and flatten his tires. When the vehicle came to a stop, the suspect fled on foot and the police pursued him until he was captured and arrested. He is in jail on $115,000 bond.

Campus security is a priority for the SMU Police Department but personal safety should be an everyday concern. Take precautions; follow these tips to reduce your chance of becoming a victim:

* Do not leave your valuables unattended - even for a moment
* Never leave belongings in plain view in your car - lock them in the trunk
* Register, engrave, mark, and/or photograph your valuables with your license number
www.smu.edu/pd

CLICK HERE for more safety tips from the SMU Police Department