CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois Police Department is currently looking into a series of electronic scooter thefts recently reported on campus.
According to UIPD, between July 17 and August 15, three electronic scooters were stolen from Bousfield Hall, situated at the corner of First Street and Peabody Drive in Champaign. All were locked to a bike rack, but the locks were either left intact or taken along with the scooters during the theft, as reported by police.
“Although we do not believe these thefts pose a threat to anyone’s physical safety, we thought it prudent to issue this alert to prevent further similar incidents,” stated UIPD in a campus safety notification.
These incidents follow six reports of attempted vehicle thefts back in July near the 1900 and 2000 blocks of S. Orchard Drive in Urbana. While one vehicle was stolen, it was quickly recovered.
Campus residents might see university officers patrolling the area, and officials have noted that over 2,900 security cameras are installed around campus to deter criminal activities and help identify culprits.
Anyone with details regarding these thefts is encouraged to contact the UIPD at 217-333-1216. For anonymous tips, reach out to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477, visit their website, or use the P3 Tips mobile application.
The police department also said there are a couple of things to remember, which will help keep the campus community safe. This includes:
- Not allowing strangers to follow you into your building
- Keeping an eye on your belongings
- Locking your doors
- Bringing your valuables with you if you plan to leave campus for an extended period of time
- Being alert and trusting your instincts; call the police if something looks odd
- Reporting crime or suspicious activity promptly
