Western Carolina University Police Crime Alerts

The crime alerts or "timely warnings" documented here are a requirement of The Jeanne Clery Act. An alert is posted when the university considers a crime to pose an ongoing threat to students and employees.

Recently, the Western Carolina Unviersity and Sylva police departments have recieved reports of a suspicious individual. the individual has been approaching young ladies and asking personal infomation including whether they are married and telling them that they are pretty. While there has been no report that this person has assaulted or threatened anyone, has made a number of individuals uncomfortable.

This person is described as a Hispanic male in his early 20s. He was seen driving a red Ford Focus. If you see a person fitting this description, we ask that you report the person by calling the Westen Carolina Police Department at 828.227.8911 (Emergency) or 828.227.7310 (Non-Emergency).

TIf you have any Questions regarding your personal safety see our Crime Prevention Tips page or Call the Non Emergency Phone number above to reach the Police.

If you have any information on the identity of this person please tell a Resident Assistant or call the University Police at 227-7301.

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At 1:11 a. m. on Sunday, April 24, 2005 (Saturday night) someone discharged a fire extinguisher in a stairwell in Scott Hall. Shortly afterward, a white male wearing camo pants and an orange hat was seen pulling a fire alarm on the 4th floor of Scott.

If you have any information on the identity of this person please tell a Resident Assistant or call the University Police at 227-7301.

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University Police are investigating a burglary that occurred between 4/8 and 4/9 on the second floor of the B Building. At this time, no items have been reported stolen from the suite.

There was evidence of tampering of the ground floor window leading into the suite where the burglary occurred.

Residents are reminded to keep your ground floor windows locked and the screens intact to prevent unauthorized access to your room when you are out.

If you have any information that may assist with this investigation, please call the University Police at 227-7301

Timely Warning 05-17

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The University Police Department is investigating a burglary and larceny that occurred on the ground floor of Benton Hall between 4:00 p. m. on 4/8 and noon on 4/9. A Gateway laptop computer, Boston audio speakers, Boston audio subwoofer, and a computer amplifier were stolen in the incident.

The method of entry into the room is unknown at this time, but it is a ground floor room with possible access through the window.

All residents of ground floor rooms are reminded to keep your windows locked and screens intact when you are out of the room.

If you have any information that may help with the investigation of this case, please call the University Police Department at 7301.

SPECIAL SECURITY NOTICE

Over the Easter Holiday, someone entered several rooms on the ground floors of each building in Central Drive Hall. Playstation IIs, X-Boxes, and games were stolen. We believe that most of these entries occurred through windows that are on ground level.

An examination of the exterior of the building conducted today revealed that at least seven ground floor window screens were unlatched and some standing partially open.

Please remember that if your screen is not latched and if your window is not locked, your room is not secure.

To protect yourself and your property, keep window screens latched at all times. When you leave your room, close and lock your windows.

Residents of the B Building assigned to rooms on the front of the building should remember that it is possible to access your windows from the top of the awning. You should also take these precautions.

If you hear of anyone trying to sell and X-Box, Playstation II, or games, please call the University Police at 227-7301.

Over the Easter holiday, someone entered a room on the ground floor of the C Building of Central Drive Hall and stole a PlayStation II, and X-Box, controllers, and several games. Someone also entered a room on the first floor of the C-Building and stole similar items.

The method of entry into the room on the first floor appears to be through a window. But, ground floor residents are reminded to keep screens secure and windows locked when you leave the room.

The University Police Department needs your assistance in solving this crime. If you see suspicious persons in the area or if you have any information that may help, please call the University Police at 227-7301.

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OVER THE EASTER HOLIDAY, BETWEEN MARCH 23 AND MARCH 27, SOMEONE ENTERED TWO ROOMS ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CENTRAL DRIVE HALL.

THE SUSPECT(S) STOLE AN X-BOX, CONTROLLERS, A PLAYSTATION II AND SEVERAL GAMES.

THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ASKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN SOLVING THESE CRIMES. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION THAT MAY ASSIST IN THIS INVESTIGATION OR IF YOU NOTICE SUSPICIOIUS PERSONS OR ACTIVITY IN THE AREA, PLEASE CALL THE UNIVERSITY POLICE AT 227-7301.

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Between March 21 and March 27, someone entered a room on the second floor of Robertson Hall and stole approximately 100 compact disks and $100 in cash. The suspect(s) appear to have slept in the room and used dishes.

If any resident saw anyone going or coming from Room 208 between March 21 and March 27, please call the University Police at 7301.

Residents should be alert for suspicious persons or activity in Robertson and notify the University Police immediately if suspicious circumstances are detected.

Timely Warning 05-12

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Between 8:00 p. m. and 8:20 p. m. on Wednesday, March 16, someone entered an unlocked room on the 6th floor of Scott Hall while the residents were in the shower and stole approximately $150 in cash.

Anyone who saw any activity around Room 632 Scott during this time should call the University Police at 7301.

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On the night of March 15, 2005 before 10:00 p. m., someone ignited a piece of paper on a door of Room 268 Benton Hall burning the paper and scorching the door.

Because the door was damaged, this act is considered as arson under NC law and may be prosecuted.

If you have any information on this offense, please call the University Police at 7301.

Timely Warning 05-10

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3/13/2005

BURGLARY AND LARCENY

7TH FLOOR, SCOTT HALL

On March 13, between 3:00 p. m. and 10 p. m., someone entered a room on the 7th floor of Scott Hall and stole a Gateway laptop computer.

It is possible that the room was entered with a key.

In addition, a similar burglary and theft of a laptop computer occurred on the 2nd floor over the weekend.

Residents of Scott are asked to pay close attention to people on their hallways, particularly those trying doors or trying keys in doors. Please report any suspicious persons or activity to the University Police immediately by calling 911.

Timely Warning 05-09

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Between Friday, March 11 and Sunday, March 13, someone entered a room on the second floor of Scott Hall and stole a Hewlett-Packard laptop computer, a case, and accessories.

If you have any information on this incident, please call the University Police Department at 7301.

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REWARD NOTICE

The University Police Department is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible for several thefts of computer equipment that have occurred since mid-December.

We need your help in watching for suspicious persons in all academic buildings at night and reporting those immediately by calling 911 on any campus telephone. Cell phone users should call 227-7301.

Please make sure that rooms containing computer equipment are closed and locked when not occupied. Check to make sure that security cables are attached as required by University policy.

If you have information that may help solve these crimes, please call Chief Gene McAbee at 227-7301 or by e-mail at mcabee@wcu.edu

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On February 24, 2005, someone entered an unlocked room on the second floor of Benton Hall and stole a Playstation II and related equipment. The incident occurred between noon and 9:40 p. m.

If you have any information on this crime, please call the University Police at

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LEATHERWOOD HALL

Someone set fire to a poster on a bathroom wall on the third floor west wing of Leatherwood Hall last night causing damage to the door and the carpet. The act caused a fire alarm to activate and the building was evacuated.

The University Police Department is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for setting this fire.

If you have information on this incident, please call the University Police at 227-7301 and pass the information along to Chief Gene McAbee.

Between 1:45 p. m. and 3:00 p. m. on Monday, February 7, someone entered an unlocked room on the first floor of Walker Hall and stole a Sony 8mm Handycam.

If you have any information about this crime, please call the University Police at 227-7301.

Timely Warning 05-05

At 1:35 a. m. on Saturday, January 15, 2005, someone ignited a plastic bag or other container in a manner that caused the sprinkler system to activate in a restroom on the second floor of Albright.

There was no damage caused by the fire, but residents had to be evacuated and there may be some water damage.

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this act.

If you have any information that may lead to the identification of the suspect(s), please call the University Police at 7301.

On January 8 or 9, someone entered an unlocked room on the 5th floor of Walker Hall and stole a wallet, keys, and a class ring.

Residents are reminded to lock your door anytime you leave your room and to sleep with your door locked. Please report any suspicious circumstances you encounter to the University Police immediately.

If you have any information on this crime, please call the University Police Department at 227-7301.

Timely Warning 05-03

A resident of the 8th floor of Scott reports that someone entered her locked room between January 3 and January 7 and stole a Dell computer monitor.

In addition, on January 6, a female resident on the 8th floor reported that she was awakened by someone trying the door on her room. Another student reported that he had seen a subject who matches the same description trying doors on the 6th floor of Scott on January 7 and January 8.

The suspect is described as an African-American male with light-colored skin who is approximately 6 feet tall wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

Please remember to keep your doors locked when you are away from your room and when you are sleeping.

If you have any information about this situation, please call the University Police at 7301.

This fall there were two incidents reported to the police of males allegedly taking pictures of females who were in the showers in Helder.

On November 11 at 1:02 a. m., one incident was reported on the fourth floor that resulted in an arrest of a male student. On December 13 at 8:25 p. m., another similar incident was reported on the second floor. There are no suspects in that case.

Information gathered during all reports would indicate that the male suspect(s) are entering the building to visit specific female residents or are being allowed to enter by residents at the exterior doors.

Information gathered also indicates that the practice of males entering restrooms on the hallways is not uncommon.

There is no indication from any of the incidents reported that the suspect(s) are physically dangerous, however, we are very concerned about this kind of invasion of privacy and violation of NC law and will absolutely prosecute those responsible.

The Office of Residential Living and the University Police Department ask for your assistance in addressing this situation.

Report any incidents of males entering women’s restrooms to the University Police immediately by calling 911.

12/17/2004

SUSPICIOUS PERSON--Walker Hall

On the night of December 17, 2004, a local male non-student was arrested in Walker Hall for possession of drug paraphernalia. Subsequently, he was banned from campus. He may be arrested for trespassing if he returns to University property.

White male, 36 years old

Fortner is known to the local law enforcement community from previous arrests and convictions and may be violent at times.

He may operate a white or beige station wagon. He may also operate a red Ford Taurus with Georgia tags AIK-7755.

If you see Fortner in the residence hall or on campus property, please call the University Police at 227-7301 immediately.

Timely Warning 04-13

On Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 9:20 p. m., an African-American male non-student entered an unlocked room on the second floor of Harrill while one resident was out for just a minute and the other was sleeping. The suspect stole a laptop computer and a purse. The purse was found in a rest room on the 5th floor. The computer was found in the bushes between Helder and Scott.

You are warned to lock your door when you leave your room even for a short time.

In addition, the suspect and two other non-students gained entry to the building through the front door after a student allowed them to enter. Remember, close the door behind you and do not let anyone in the building unless you know them as a resident or they can provide proper identification.

The suspect in this case has been arrested. The other two non-students who were with him have been banned from campus.

Report suspicious activity to the University Police immediately. If you see someone walking n your floor that you don’t know, let an RA or the University Police know.

BETWEEN NOVEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 2, SOMEONE ENTERED AN UNLOCKED ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF BENTON HALL AND STOLE AN X-BOX CONTROLLER.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CRIME, PLEASE CALL THE UNIVERSITY POLICE AT 7301.

Between 6:30 p. m. and 7:25 p. m. on November 29, someone entered a room on the first floor of Benton and stole a Dell laptop computer, 3 DVDs and 4 Playstation games.

The method of entry into the room is not known, but there were no signs of forced entry.

If you have any information on this incident including the possible identity of the suspect or the possible location of the stolen property, please call the University Police at 227-7301.

On November 13, 2004 between 1:30 p. m. and 2:30 p. m., someone entered a room on the third floor of Albright Hall and stole a Verizon flip phone and a coffee pot. This incident occurred while the resident of the room was in the shower.

If you have any information on this crime, please call the University Police Department at 227-7301.

On November 8, 2004 between 4:00 p. m. and 6:00 p. m., someone entered an unlocked room on the 8th floor of Scott Hall and stole at least 8 articles of jewelry.

Residents are reminded to lock your doors when you leave your room.

If you have information on this crime, please call the University Police at 7301.

Timely Warning 04-08

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11/08/2004
BURGLARY AND LARCENY - 9TH FLOOR WALKER HALL

On November 8, 2004, someone entered an unlocked room on the ninth floor of Walker Hall. A silver watch, a silver ring, and $20 were stolen from the room.

The incident occurred between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. while one resident was in the shower and the other was in the lobby.

Students are reminded to lock your doors when you leave your room even for short periods of time.

If you have any information on these crimes, please call the University Police office at 7301.

Timely Warning 04-07

11/01/2004
BURGLARY AND LARCENY - SCOTT HALL

BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 12:45 A. M. ON MONDAY, 11/01/2004, SOMEONE ENTERED A ROOM ON THE 1st FLOOR OF SCOTT HALL AND STOLE CASH FROM A PURSE.

THE RESIDENT OF THE ROOM BELIEVES THAT HER DOOR WAS LOCKED AT THE TIME.

RESIDENTS OF THE 1ST FLOOR ARE ASKED TO LET THE UNIVERSITY POLICE KNOW IF THEY SAW ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY AROUND THE ROOMS IN THAT AREA. REMEMBER THAT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN SUNDAY NIGHT/MONDAY MORNING.

ANYONE WHO HAS INFORMATION ON THIS CRIME SHOULD CALL THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 7301.

Timely Warning 04-06 11/2/2004
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10/31/2004
BURGLARY AND LARCENY - HELDER HALL
BETWEEN 2 A. M. AND 6 A. M. ON SUNDAY, 10/31/2004, SOMEONE ENTERED AN UNLOCKED ROOM ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF HELDER HALL WHILE THE RESIDENTS WERE ASLEEP.

THE SUSPECT STOLE A PURSE WHICH WAS FOUND IN THE TRASH OUTSIDE THE EAST WING DOOR. CASH FROM THE PURSE WAS MISSING.

THE ONLY DESCRIPTION OF THE SUSPECT AT THIS TIME IS THAT THE PERSON WAS WEARING A RED SHIRT.

YOU ARE REMINDED TO LOCK YOUR DOORS WHEN YOU ARE SLEEPING.

ANYONE WHO HAS INFORMATION ON THIS CRIME SHOULD CALL THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 7301.

Timely Warning 04-05 11/1/2004