Safety message to begin the 2023-24 academic school year

August 21, 2023
Office of the Chancellor

The following internal community advisory was sent to campus in the form of a WarnMe email message on August 21, 2023.

Community Advisory: Safety Message

Welcome to the start of the 2023-2024 academic school year. This message is to provide you with information to help you stay safe. At the start of each school year, we typically see an increase in certain crimes.  In addition, there are more activities, and consequently more reasons to stay vigilant. Below is information about the campus emergency alerts, along with some safety tips and information:

WarnMe MESSAGES

  • The campus is required by federal law (the Clery Act) to notify the campus community when certain crimes that could pose a serious or ongoing threat to the campus are reported on or near campus property, or if there is an immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community.
  • These messages are sent out automatically to every berkeley.edu email address.
  • To receive UC Berkeley WarnMe emergency alerts via SMS/text message, register your mobile phone number on the WarnMe webpage. Friends, family, and community members may also sign up for WarnMe alerts

PROPERTY CRIMES

Property thefts are the number one crime reported on college campuses. The theft of bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized vehicles is one of the more common crimes reported on our campus. In 2022, UCPD received more than 250 reports of thefts of e-bikes and motorized scooters.

UC Berkeley understands the financial and mobility impact these thefts have on our students. UCPD conducts high-visibility patrols and investigative operations to apprehend frequent offenders who operate in our community.

To help reduce the likelihood of your property being targeted use a high-quality U-lock or sturdy lock for electric mobility devices. Thieves easily defeat cable locks.  More substantial locks can also be defeated, but they often require power tools, which draws attention. Call UCPD if you see someone using power tools on a bike or scooter, so officers can determine if a crime is occurring.  

ROBBERIES

While the campus and surrounding community are relatively safe, we are in an environment where crime does occur.  Please use the free Night Safety & BearWalk services, be aware of your surroundings, and walk in groups. Travel in groups, especially at night, but remember that crimes can occur at all times of the day. Additional UCPD tips:

  • Electronic devices are popular robbery targets. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your devices out of public view. 
  • If you are being robbed, do not attempt to fight back; surrender your belongings, get yourself to safety, and call the police.
  • If you need help, dial 911 or use a blue light emergency phone (located throughout the campus and identified by a blue light on top of the phone box or column).
  • Please do not delay in calling law enforcement. UCPD strongly encourages the reporting of criminal or suspicious activity in a timely manner.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes on college campuses, and it typically occurs between individuals who know each other. Practice affirmative consent at all times. Practice acceptance of your own and others’ boundaries. Learn more about safety tips, support services, and other resources on the Path to Care website and the SVSH website

CONTACTING UCPD

If you need help, for emergencies dial 911 or use a blue light emergency phone (located throughout the campus and identified by a blue light on top of the phone box or column). These can be used to notify UCPD that assistance is needed.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMPUS SAFETY

Learn more about other safety tools and resources, as well as new efforts by the campus to enhance campus safety, on this UCPD web page

Please visit the Bears that CARE website to learn more about being an active bystander to help keep the campus safe and request workshops by peer educators.