Timely Warnings and Crime Alerts

Timely Warnings

Timely Warnings are issued in the format of Public Safety Alerts to the campus community on incidents or crimes that may be considered a threat to public safety and/or  reoccurring crime trends.  Information regarding these crimes or trends may originate from Public Safety Reports or from local Law Enforcement Agencies or the Putnam County 911 Center.

Alerts are posted via this web page.  In some instances alerts may also be issued via WGRE Radio, The DePauw Newspaper, e-mail blasts, network bulletins, telephone trees, text messages (if registered) and portable public address systems as needed.

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November 19th,

The Public Safety Office is investigating three incidents of a potential email scam.  We want to share this information with our DePauw community to inform everyone that these requests are coming to DePauw email accounts and are very similar to other email scams we have seen and investigated in the past. 

In these recent incidents, students are receiving unsolicited e-mails from “janey.2040” at a Yahoo account.  “Janey” is allegedly “Jane Green, an Artist, Archaeologist and Manager of Dulwich Picture Gallery in London.” 

“Janey” is requesting that they receive money orders, cash them into their accounts and keep a portion of the money as payment.   The email tells them where to send the remaining funds.  The scam is that the money orders are not valid and after the bank attempts to process them, the money has already been sent and the students would owe the bank the money.

These emails, and all others like them, are attempts to gain personal information and commit theft through deception.  Please do not respond to any email requesting personal information.  Please refer to Crime Prevention Information concerning Internet security and Identity Theft on our Crime Prevention resource webpage.

September 16th, 2009,

Update: According to the Indiana Statesman, the Indiana State University Newspaper, the student that reported the sexual assault has recanted her report. For more information check their website at: http://media.www.indianastatesman.com/media/storage/paper929/news/2009/09/11/Campus/Breaking.News.Search.For.Suspect.In.Sexual.Attack.Called.Off-3769480.shtml?refsource=collegeheadlines#4

September 10th, 2009

Please be aware that the Public Safety Office is gathering information regarding suspicious and criminal behavior of magazine solicitors on two Indiana campuses. Yesterday evening, after becoming aware of a news report from Indiana State University (see below) Public Safety and Residence Life sent out a message to UOAH students asking them to call Public Safety if anyone approached their living units soliciting. Multiple calls were received with information that the solicitors had been on campus. Two prompt calls led to the Officers interacting with two individuals. These individuals were identified and given "No Trespass Warnings" for campus.

Please be aware of this situation and take every effort to make sure your living units are secured. Do not open the door to strangers or invite them inside. Do not release personal information or financial information to any one selling items door to door. If you see anyone soliciting on campus, please call Public Safety immediately at 765-658-4261. http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_terrehaute_isu_sexual_assault_20090908_2249

June 22nd, 2009

UPDATE: According to News reports, the suspect reported in the January 20th timely warning, Ricky Robbins, has been found dead in Nevada. Follow the link provided to read more about the incident. http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200906200317/NEWS01/906200309

May 1st, 2009

UPDATE: The Greencastle Police have made an arrest in regards to the incident reported as a timely warning on April 29th, the individual remains in custody at the Putnam County Jail.

April 29th, 2009

Greencastle Police are investigating a report of possible sexual battery, in which a subject approached a Greencastle resident while she was getting into her car. Although the incident did not occur on campus, the Public Safety Office would like to inform our community of this situation given the close proximity. The City Police have identified a person of interest and the investigation is continuing. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our DePauw community that as the weather warms more people are out on campus. Please remember that Safe Ride is available, as well as Public Safety Escorts. As usual, please report any suspicious activity promptly to the Public Safety Office by calling 765-658-4261. Emergency need for police assistance should route directly to 911.

Thank you,

Angie Nally
Director
Public Safety

January 20th, 2009

Earhllam College, located 124 miles East of Greencastle in Richmond Indiana has a possible suspect in recent campus break-ins. The suspect Rickey Allen Robbins is an escaped felon from the Oregon State Parole system. Robbins, who has family in the Union City, Indiana area, has been responsible for burglary and sexual offenses on college campuses across the country, including crimes in Indiana. Most of his crimes have been committed on college campuses. He also has a history of posing as a college professor to gain access to campus areas. He is dangerous and if you see him, you should immediately dial 9-1-1. There is no information to suggest that he is currently in the Greencastle area, however the Public Safety Office wants everyone to be aware of this situation as a precaution. If you have information about this situation or any suspicious activity, please call 658-4261.

His description and picture are below:

Age: 58
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 190
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown/Gray
Scars: Abdomen, Back, Chest
Aliases: Ricky Allen Robbins
Dan Hamilton Suillivan
Mark Steans

Thank you for making safety a priority,

Angie Nally
Director
Public Safety

January 7th, 2008

On January 5th, 2008, a delayed report from early last semester, of a possible assault was made to the Public Safety Office.  There is limited information about the incident, however the circumstances of the report indicate that the use of an unknown substance may have been given to a person without their knowledge.  We ask that anyone with any information related to or similar in nature, report it immediately to the Public Safety Office by dialing 765-658-4261.  We also ask that students take every precaution to protect themselves against the possibility of someone placing substances in their beverages. Never leave a beverages unattended, make your own beverages, NEVER drink from common containers, and ask to open sealed beverages yourself if you are being served.  The Public Safety Office is available for additional safety tips and/or to provide an educational program.

December 4th, 2007

***UPDATE***

The hate crime/sexual assault incident reported on November 13th, 2007, has been thoroughly investigated and determined to be an unfounded complaint.  No further investigation or alert is warranted.  We appreciate the assistance of the Dean of Students' staff to resolve this issue.

November 13th, 2007

We are in the beginning stages of investigating a delayed report of a hate crime/sexual assault.  At this time there is limited description of a vehicle and suspects.  The event occurred on 11-11-07, at approximately 2:00 a.m. in the area of College and Locust St.  The suspect vehicle may be a navy blue, older model mini-van or SUV. 

We encourage our community to take extra caution and utilize the Safe Ride program and Public Safety Escorts.  As always, please report any suspicious activity promptly by calling 765-658-4261.

July 12th, 2007

Please take extra care to make sure that your laptop PCs and offices are secure. We are currently investigating three stolen laptops in the last two days. The incidents have occurred in areas where construction is underway thus controlling access may be more complicated. We strongly encourage you to secure laptops and other portable electronics in desks, file cabinets or take them with you. Please do not leave office areas unlocked.

Following are useful links about securing your laptop and sensitive information. If your laptop holds sensitive data, whenever possible please take the extra precaution to use University network drives to store information rather housing data on portable devices.

As always please contact Public Safety (x-4261) to report any suspicious activity.

Laptop Security      Backing Up Files     Computer Security

March 5th, 2007

On Sunday morning, March 4th, 2007, the Public Safety Office investigated complaints from students of an unknown male suspect that had entered their individual rooms within the residence halls.  The individual, identified as Marvin DeBerry, Chicago IL, was arrested at approximately 6:00 a.m. by Officer Keller.  Several Counts of Residential Entry have been filed through the Prosecutor's Office. 

A special thank you to the students that called and assisted Officer Keller in identifying the responsible person.

Any students that have information about this subject are encouraged to call Public Safety at 765-658-4261.  Please remember that along with our office, Residence Life staff and the Counseling Services Office may be resources on campus for students that wish to talk about this situation.

Students and all members of the DePauw community are reminded to report any suspicious activity promptly by either calling 765-658-4261, or dialing 911 in emergency situations.  Please also assist Public Safety by making safety a personal priority.  Do not prop doors and lock all interior rooms when you are not in them, or are sleeping. 

February 12th, 2007

The Public Safety Office has received three reports of thefts from living units over the weekend.  Taken from these locations were small electronics, credit cards and money.  Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity on late Saturday night/Sunday morning is encouraged to call Public Safety at 765-658-4261.

As a reminder, we ask everyone to take basic precautions.  Lock your doors, don't prop outside doors, don't let anyone "tailgate" into your residence hall by following you in after you've swiped your card.   Any activity deemed to be unusual, or just doesn't fit should be reported.   Reporting suspicious activity is the most important way you can help play your part in making safety everyone's responsibility.

January 11th, 2007

As students return from Holiday Break and embark upon on campus Winter Term projects, we are experiencing an increase in Vandalism.  We want to remind everyone that tampering with fire safety equipment is not only criminal, but very dangerous.  At an institution that has lived through a residence hall fire, we must keep fire safety as a priority. Discharging a fire extinguisher leaves an area at risk and could result in devastating circumstances.  Students are being charged with common area damages for the replacement and clean up....don't pay for others poor decisions.  If you have information about who may be responsible, please call Public Safety immediately.

Secondly, Public Safety is asking anyone with information about graffiti on campus to call our office.  As this would be "harmless" act is effecting our DePauw community members and our greater campus community as well.  Our Physical Plant continues to clean up after this person(s) at a cost and for what purpose other than to deface property.  Please call with any information.

Equally important is security and safety of our living units and all members of our campus community.  During Winter Term the number of "eyes and ears" on campus are less than during the Fall and Spring semester.  We want to remind everyone to take basic precautions for the safety of the person and property.  Lock your doors, don't prop outside doors, don't let anyone "tailgate" into your residence hall by following you in after you've swiped your card.   Any activity deemed to be unusual, or just doesn't fit should be reported.   Reporting suspicious activity is the most important way you can help play your part in making safety everyone's responsibility.

November 15th, 2006

The Office of Public Safety has received two reports of stolen laptop computers in the past week. Both situations occurred in Residence Halls and in rooms that were unlocked at the time. We want to inform our community that this time of year has traditionally been a time when thefts occur more often and remind everyone to protect their personal property by taking some basic precautions:

• Vehicles should be parked and secured in well-lighted areas, and valuables should be removed or concealed.
• Exterior doors to the residential facilities should be closed and locked. Room doors should be locked at night and when unoccupied even for a short period
• Electronics such as iPods, laptops and calculators should be engraved and their serial numbers recorded. Laptop security tips can be found at http://www.depauw.edu/it/healthycomputing/hcommindex.asp

The most important safety precaution is that everyone takes personal safety and the protection of property seriously. Please report any suspicious activity to the Public Safety Office immediately at 765-658-4261, any emergency need for police, fire or ambulance service, dial 911.

November 2nd, 2006

Information from a sorority on campus revealed that a "free" seminar on Sexual Assault and Self Defense was offered to their organization by an individual by the name of David Portnoy Mr. Portnoy indicated during his presentation that he had attempted to contact the Public Safety Office for information about DePauw statistics concerning Sexual Assault and Rape. We strongly believe that no such inquiry was made. Also, as required by the Department of Education, in compliance with the Federal Clery Act, our statistics are posted and accessible via our webpage. Click here for statistics for the previous three calendar years. Internet research of Mr. Portnoy reveals many sites that portray his seminars as providing unauthenticated information and information that is in direct conflict with law enforcement experience and training. DePauw Public Safety contacted Mr. Portnoy and asked for verification of his organization, as well as confronted him on his alleged contact to our office. He did not provide any information that would assist our office in verifying his legitimate organization. Due to the lack of credentials and questionable internet research history, we strongly encourage any organization to decline his offer for a seminar. You may also feel free to have Mr. Portnoy contact our office if he has any questions.

Public Safety offers personal safety programs at the request of organizations. We can also assist organizations in finding reputable speakers and/or instructors to do programming as well. Please contact Angie Nally for arrangements.

September 1st, 2006

Today at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Greencastle City Police and the Putnam County Sheriff's Department were investigating an armed bank robbery from the FIrst National Bank located on Indianapolis Rd. in Greencastle.

The suspect was last seen in a red older model Jeep Cherokee, heading East on US Hwy 240. The suspect is described as a white male, age unknown, wearing a yellow trench coat, wearing black mask, carrying a black trash bag. Authorities do not believe the suspect is still in the Greencastle area, however please promptly report all suspicious activity by calling the Putnam County 911 Center 765-653-5115 or "911" in the event of an emergency.

May 1st, 2006

The Public Safety Office asks campus community members report any suspicious activity in the area of Seminary St. and College St.   A suspicious male was reported in the area on April 30th, 2006.  He is described as a white male, approximately 25 years old, 5'9" tall, 180lbs.  He was wearing a dark sweatshirt and blue jeans.  He could possibly have a goatee. 

This individual is not wanted for any crime, however we would like to identify him and learn more about his purpose on campus.  Any information or reports of further suspicious activity anywhere on campus should be directed to the Public Safety Office at 765-658-4261.

April 24th, 2006

The Public Safety Office asks that campus community members report any suspicious activity in and around the parking lots on campus due to a number of vehicle break ins reported during the weekend of April 21st - April 23rd.

We also ask that when parking your vehicle that you insure that your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left in the vehicle.  Often times valuables are left in the vehicle and in plain sight from the outside.  Please remove any stereo face plates, books of CD's, radar detectors, cell phones, money, jewelry or speaker boxes when possible. 

A suspicious male was seen in the area where a vehicle sustained damage.  The man is described as a pale white male, approximately six feet tall with dark "buzz cut" hair.  He was wearing a gray short sleeved shirt.

Suspicious activity should be reported immediately to Public Safety at 765-658-4261. 

February 16, 2006

On February 16, at approximately 1:30 AM, a female student was assaulted by an unknown male while walking in the vicinity of the Administration Bldg./Pi Beta Phi / Sigma Chi parking lot.  The suspect pushed the victim from behind causing her to fall, however she was able to defend herself from further attack.  The suspect is described as a college age white male, medium height and weight, with short brown shaggy hair, possibly wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. 

We are seeking all possible witness information.  Please contact Public Safety at 658-4261 with any reports of suspicious activity or knowledge of this incident.  Anonymous reports may also be submitted via the "Silent Witness" program via the following web link:

http://www.depauw.edu/student/safety/silentwitness.asp

All campus community members are reminded not to walk alone at night and encouraged to utilize Safe Ride (x-5961) and Public Safety (x-4261) for personal safety escorts.

January 23rd, 2006

We have received reports of missing/stolen laptop computers from various locations on campus, including Roy O. West library and Greek Living Units.  Please be extra vigilant in securing your personal items and never leave a laptop computer unattended.  If you have seen or do witness any suspicious activity, please call Public Safety X4261 immediately.  Please view our Crime Prevention Page for more information and crime prevention tips

December 16th, 2005

Many students have reported receiving suspicious phone calls related to a credit card company or another financial institution that wishes to verify personal information.  These calls are attempts to gain personal information and use it for Identity Theft.  Please do not respond to any request for personal information.  Please refer to Crime Prevention Information concerning Internet security and Identity Theft on our Crime Prevention resource webpage.  These principles apply to all forms of "Identity Fishing."

November 7, 2005  (updated Nov. 10)

In addition to the alert posted earlier this week, other reports received indicate a subject wearing a gray sweatshirt watching students on campus, and attempting entry into one student residence.  A local subject has been identified in these cases and we are pursuing criminal charges against the individual. In the cases of harassing phone calls, a suspects telephone records have been subpoenaed. While we continue to make progress in these cases, we encourage everyone to report any and all suspicious activity.  Please also refer to this "Alert" link, our Public Safety website, and Campus Media to stay aware and prepared for these types of intrusions on campus.

 Public Safety Website:    http://www.depauw.edu/student/safety/index.asp

The office of Public Safety is investigating complaints of a suspicious male in the area of Seminary and Locust Street intersection. Reports indicate a subject described as a white male with dark hair, approximately 35 years old, between 5-8 and 6’2. This subject may possibly be looking into windows in the area. It is possible that harassing or suspicious phone calls may be related.  We ask that anyone with information call our office, and report any suspicious persons or activity  immediately, and use Safe Ride at X5961 or Public Safety Escorts by calling X4261.

October 31, 2005 (updated Nov. 7)

The Public Safety Office has received considerable information and made progress in the investigation of  the sculpture vandalism. As our investigation continues we requests anyone with additional information regarding persons responsible for damage to the Deer Sculpture "Fits & Starts" near the Larabee Circle, please contact our office at  765-658-4261 or anonymously via our silent witness program.

October 13th, 2005

The Public Safety Office asks that campus community members report any suspicious activity in and around the parking lots on campus due to a number of vehicle break ins reported on October 12th, 2005.  We also ask that when parking your vehicle that you insure that your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left in the vehicle.  Often times valuables are left in the vehicle and in plain sight from the outside.  Please remove any stereo face plates, books of CD's, radar detectors, cell phones, money, jewelry or speaker boxes when possible.  Suspicious activity should be reported immediately to Public Safety at 765-658-4261. 

October 10th, 2005

The Public Safety Office would like to alert the campus community to an increase in the number of bike thefts this semester.  We have received information about several missing bicycles, the majority of which were not secure at the time they went missing.  We want to remind everyone to lock their bicycles to a secure object, such as a bicycle rack, with a study and durable locking mechanism.  Please record serial numbers and know the make and model of your bicycles.  It is also helpful if you can engrave your information onto the bicycle for identification.

Anyone with information about a missing bicycle should call Public Safety at 765-658-4261.  As always, please report any suspicious activity promptly. 

Sept 7th, 2005

A theft of a wallet occurred in Asbury Hall on September 2nd.  The victim's credit cards were used to make fraudulent purchases after the theft.  Through investigation, a suspect vehicle has been identified as a white/light colored full size sedan, possibly an older Ford Taurus or Pontiac Sundance.  The suspect is described as a male, dark complexion,  mid to late 30's, wearing a white baseball cap.  He has a medium build and a thin mustache.  If any one has additional information, please contact Angie Nally or call Public Safety at 658-4261.

August 26th, 2005

Lebanon Police Department is requesting assistance in attempting to locate a 16 year old white female. She has walked away from a juvenile detention facility. She is believed to possibly be in the Greencastle Area. She is not believed to be dangerous.

Loren J Powers, white female Date of Birth: 10/16/1989 5'3" 140 lbs

Brown shoulder length hair, blue eyes

Last seen in her Uncle's truck. Blue 1997 Dodge 4X4 with a light bar on the top

OH plate 714WXZ

Anyone with information, please call the Public Safety Office at 765-658-4261.

August 2, 2005

Many students have reported receiving suspicious emails related to a "grant" that has been willed by a deceased man in Nigeria.  This email, and all others like them, are attempts to gain personal information and use it for Identity Theft.  Please do not respond to any email requesting personal information.  Please refer to Crime Prevention Information concerning Internet security and Identity Theft on our Crime Prevention resource webpage.

Friday June 3, 2005

On April 13th, at approximately 9:00 pm, a female student was approached in the South Walden Inn Parking lot in what appeared to be an attempted robbery. The unknown suspect attempted to grab the student’s purse, but was unsuccessful. There were no weapons displayed and the student was not injured. The suspect is described as a male, 6’1 to 6’2, medium build, wearing a dark colored sweatshirt, ski mask, dark jeans and gloves. The suspect may be injured as a result of a defensive maneuver to the groin.

Anyone with information is asked to call Public Safety at 765-658-4261, or email police@depauw.edu. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately.

All students are also reminded that Public Safety offers Safety Escorts on campus at any time, please call X4261 or utilize the Safe Ride Program by calling X5961. The Safe Ride Program runs nightly from 9pm-2am on week nights and 9pm-3am on weekends.

Public Safety and local authorities are investigating a delayed report of an assault occurring in the 400 block of South Jackson Street. A male student reports that on Saturday morning March 5 at approximately 3:30 AM, someone grabbed him from behind and forcefully took his wallet. There are no specific physical descriptions of the assailant(s), other than they were believed to be white males, and of college age. There were no weapons or injuries involved. Community members are reminded to utilize our safety escort program and promptly report any suspicious activity to "911" or the Public Safety Office at x-4261. Anyone with information that might be related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective/Captain Angela Nally at 658-4261.

March 7, 2005

A suspicious person was reported on March 4 prowling in the area of the Delta Upsilon house.  The subject is described as medium height and weight, approximately 5'-8" to 5'-10" tall, unshaven with possibly darker hair, however was wearing a stocking cap and a flannel shirt or jacket.  This subject may also be a suspect in a variety of entries into vehicles and attempts to steal stereo equipment.  Please be alert to any suspicious activity around our living units and parking areas and contact the Public Safety Office at x-4261 with any information about this individual or related suspicious activity.

February 23, 2005

Several users on campus have received an email addressed from Key Bank.  Information Services has received  inquiries concerning this email from users on campus. They have determined that some group/organization is fraudulently advertising themselves as official Key Bank representatives, in an attempt to obtain a users personal, private and sensitive identity information. Information Services has followed up on this email and have found it to be very dangerous; as well as, a complete hoax, should an individual respond to it or take it at face value. Information Services spoke with a Key Bank representative and were told that they have received several calls from individuals complaining, asking questions and concerned about this email. Key Bank Customer Service advised that they will "NEVER" send out any type of email or advertisement requesting that a user or client submit/disclose personal, private identity information.

The campus is urged not to disclose any personal information to any unsolicited request to avoid the dangers of Identity Theft.

February 18th, 2005

A report of a suspicious vehicle/harassment was made on February 17th, 2005 at approximately 9:45 p.m. in the area of Blackstock Stadium.  The complainant stated that as she walked from the stadium toward campus, an unknown male in a dark colored older four door vehicle drove beside her and made unwanted comments and attempted to lure her into the vehicle.  There is no suspect description available at this time.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call X4261.  As always we ask that any suspicious activity be reported promptly by calling 911 or the Public Safety Office. 

January 19th-UPDATE of January 18th incident

The suspects in the harassment incident have been identified as four juvenile subjects.  Contact has been made with their parents and the Juvenile Probation Office.  The situation remains under investigation and any information gathered will be forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office for review of criminal charges.

January 18th, 2005

A student on campus reported that he was harassed in a threatening manner while walking on Hanna St. between Indiana and Locust St.  The suspects are described as High School aged white males driving a teal Ford Explorer with 67 prefix on the license plate.  We ask that all members of the University community report any information related to this vehicle being on campus and/or any further suspicious activity as soon as possible.  The Public Safety Office can be reached 24 hrs a day at X4261.  Calls for immediate assistance should dial 911.  Confidential reports can be made from the Public Safety website using the "silent witness" link. 

December 2nd-UPDATE of the December 1st incident

In a cooperative effort with the Greencastle Police Department, some evidence has been recovered.  We are still seeking anyone with information about the armed robbery and ask that they call Public Safety at X4261 or email police@depauw.edu