Campus Crime Alert - 7/14/07

A "Smart Card" machine and a change machine were stolen from the east end of the third floor bridge adjoining the H Building and the T Building at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus in the past week.

The "Smart Card" machine was removed at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5. The machine contained no cash or checks when it was removed. The suspect, who was captured on surveillance video, is described as an African-American male, approximately 6'2" to 6'4" tall, about 180 pounds, in his late 20s to early 30s. He appeared to be clean-shaven with a light complexion and short hair. He was seen wearing a white polo-type short-sleeve shirt, blue jean shorts, white tennis shoes and white socks. He entered and exited from the T Building.

The change machine was removed from the same area at approximately 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 10. The machine held approximately $300 in change. Two individuals were seen removing the machine on surveillance video. Suspect #1 was described as an African-American male, approximately 6' tall, about 180 pounds, with black hair. He was wearing a light blue jersey-style shirt with "FUBU" imprinted on the front, and the number 5 printed on the back. He wore jeans. Suspect #2 was described as an African-American male, 5'8", approximately 160 pounds, with a stocky build and close-cropped hair. He was wearing a dark shirt and tan pants.

MATC Public Safety continues to work with authorities in an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the theft or who witnesses any suspicious activity on campus should call Public Safety at 414-297-6588 (non-emergency) or 414-297-6200 (emergency response). You may also provide information anonymously by calling the TIPP line at 414-297-TIPP (8477). From an on-campus phone, call 78477.

Campus crime alert (in PDF format)

Campus Crime Alert - 6/14/07

On Friday, police arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of starting a string of suspicious nuisance fires in the Main Building, first floor. The first fire occurred in February 2007.

The suspect is not a current student and is on parole for a similar offense at the Milwaukee Public Library in 2001. He also has set paper fires at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University. He turned himself in upon seeing MATC surveillance video of himself on television and online. The district attorney's office will review criminal charges.

This arrest came about through the committed, collaborative efforts of the Milwaukee Police Department and the MATC Department of Public Safety. Both are to be commended for the speed of their response last Thursday, after the suspect was first captured on video.

Campus crime alert (in PDF format)

Campus Crime Alert - 6/7/07

The photos below depict a person who may have knowledge about a recent series of arson fires on the first floor of the Main Building at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. He also is seen in a video released today by Milwaukee Police http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=616594.

If you know the identity of this man, please contact MATC's Department of Public Safety at (414) 297-6588 or Milwaukee Police Department Detective Matthew Quist at (414) 935-7360.

This matter relates to a fire that occurred Wednesday, June 6, around 8 a.m., in the stairwell at the State Street entrance at 6th Street on the first floor (Stairwell 3). Public Safety rapidly extinguished the fire, with nominal damage and no personal injury. It was the eighth minor fire in the Main Building since Feb. 22. Public Safety is collaborating with authorities in an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the fires or who witnesses any suspicious activity on campus should call Public Safety at (414) 297-6588 (non-emergency) or (414) 297-6200 (emergency response). You may also provide information anonymously by calling the TIPP line at 414-297-TIPP (8477). From an on-campus phone, call 78477.

For more campus safety information, see http://matc.edu/student/safety.html. Thank you for your assistance.

Campus crime alert poster (in PDF format)

General Safety Reminders

The Department of Public Safety formally engages in Community-Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving (COPPS) to encourage community involvement in maintaining a safe and secure campus environment.

The MATC community can assist Public Safety by reporting suspicious and/or unusual activity on campus.

Use the following Public Safety Community Outreach Program (COP) tips to recognize and report suspicious circumstances:

Know the telephone numbers for the Department of Public Safety's District Emergency Response Center (DERC) or your regional campus switchboard:

DERC - Non-emergency Calls (414) 297-6588
DERC - Emergency Calls (414) 297-6200
DERC TIPP Line (414) 297-TIPP (8477)
Mequon Switchboard (262) 238-2200
Oak Creek Switchboard (414) 571-4500
West Allis Switchboard (414) 456-5500

Know the location of the nearest Campus Emergency Phone.

Focus on the behavior of a person who appears suspicious to you. The behavior should demonstrate acts that raise your suspicions and cause concern for your safety or the safety of others.

Examples of suspicious behavior and/or circumstances:
People monitoring buildings, areas, entrances to buildings

People wandering in buildings, who appear to have no legitimate purpose in the buildings

Unauthorized people in restricted or sensitive areas

People requesting sensitive information, building/HVAC plans, water, electrical, telecommunications locations, etc.

People wearing clothing not consistent with weather conditions

People abandoning packages, backpacks, briefcases in unusual areas, such as high-traffic/high-populated areas

People attempting to enter locked rooms

More than one person appearing to be working together in committing any of the above

Unusual powders or liquids/droplets/mists/clouds, especially found near intake/HVAC systems or enclosed spaces

Dead animals/birds, fish, insects

Unexplained/unusual odors

Unusual/unscheduled spraying or discovery of spray devices or bottles.

The smell of smoke and/or the sign/presence of fire.

Examples of suspicious vehicles:

Abandoned vehicles, or unfamiliar parked vehicles, especially near sensitive areas, high traffic/populated areas, common areas, etc.

Unexpected/unfamiliar delivery trucks

Vehicles containing suspicious persons, parcels or materials

A group of individuals sitting in a parked vehicle who appear to be monitoring pedestrian behavior

Vehicles arriving and being left at odd hours

Unusual powders or liquids/droplets/mists/clouds leaking or spilling from vehicles

Follow your instincts. If you suspect that something is out of the ordinary, notice what is happening and contact Public Safety immediately.

Under all circumstances, use existing college safety and security services (crime prevention literature, emergency telephones, safety escorts, safety shuttle rides, etc.).

If you feel that a suspicious activity is occurring, call the Department of Public Safety to report your observations.

SAFETY IS A COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY