Recent Community Alerts and Preparing for Spring Break

To
All Students
From
Timothy J. Longo, Safety and Security, and Robyn S. Hadley, Student Affairs

Dear Students:

Over the past several months, you have received a number of community alerts regarding off-Grounds incidents involving firearms. 

We know these alerts can be troubling, but they are an important means by which we can communicate incidents that are occurring around places where many of you live and gather off Grounds. The content of those alerts is guided by information known to UVA police at the time, and may be limited to a brief description of the incident, date, time, location, and available resources. Please use that information, however limited, to make good personal decisions regarding your safety as you move around our community.

For more information about community alerts, we encourage you to visit the Department of Safety and Security website.

In response to the rise in the number of gun crimes we have experienced in our region, University Police are collaborating with their colleagues in the city and county to identify trends and better understand the root causes of these acts, so that we can develop appropriate strategies to respond and keep this community safe. We have also increased the presence of law enforcement and UVA Ambassadors in areas where incidents have occurred in the past, or we have determined they may be likely to occur in the future. You can learn more about alerts issued by Charlottesville and by Albemarle County. 

If you have information or questions concerning violent crime on our Grounds and across our community, we urge you to reach out to University Police through their website.

We also encourage you to download the Rave Guardian App and visit the Department of Safety and Security website.

SPRING BREAK SAFETY REMINDERS
Thefts and break-ins often increase during holiday and semester break periods. Some important tips to keep in mind during Spring Break: 
If you are leaving Charlottesville:
  • Take valuables with you.
  • Lock the doors and windows of your residence and pull the curtains or shades.
  • Lock or otherwise properly secure your scooter and park it in a designated and well-lit area. Do not store gas-powered vehicles inside.
  • If your car remains in Charlottesville, lock it and do not leave valuables inside.
  • If you would like UPD to do an exterior visual security check on your residence while you are away, fill out this form.
If you are staying in Charlottesville:
  • Fewer people will be on the Grounds and in Charlottesville, especially at night. Remain aware of your surroundings and do not walk alone at night. Walk in well-lit public areas.
  • Be aware of University Transit schedule changes.
  • Use Safe Walk from 6 pm – 2 am: You can request a free Safe Walk from an Ambassador, at the Public Service Substation on the Corner, or by calling 434-984-7622, extension 406.
  • Always lock your doors and windows, even when you are home.
  • Report any suspicious behavior to University Police by calling or texting 911. Police want you to contact them. 
  • See the Spring Break website for schedule information.

Best wishes for an enjoyable and safe break.
 
Regards,

Timothy J. Longo, Sr.
Associate Vice President for Safety
   and Security and Chief of Police

Robyn S. Hadley
Vice President and Dean of Students
Chief Student Affairs Officer