WVU issues Campus Warning following reported burglary near campus

West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning on Saturday (Dec. 14) following a report of a burglary at 216 Belmar Ave. near the Downtown area of campus.

The alleged burglary, which took place before 6 a.m. Saturday, was reported to UPD Saturday evening. Surveillance video showed one of two suspects entering the building through an unlocked basement window.

University Police officers are actively investigating. Several photos of one of the suspects have been released and are available at this link, this linkand this link.

Investigators are working to determine if this reported incident is related to two previous incidents.

"We cannot stress enough how important it is that members of our University community secure their property - whether that be their homes or vehicles," Chief Sherry St. Clairsaid.

To drive home that point ahead of the start of the winter break and provide important safety reminders, Chief St. Clair, UPD officers, representatives from Student Lifeand other University representatives will visit residences within the area of North High Street to Price Street and Prospect Street to Waverly Street starting at 4 p.m. Monday (Dec. 16).

Students who are not home at the time of these visits may see printed information at their residence when they return home.

If you have any information that would be helpful to the investigations, please call UPD at 304-293-3136 or visit the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive. Information may be shared anonymously.

The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.

• Make sure to lock windows, doors and vehicles while you are away or not actively monitoring them.
• Always lock exterior doors. This includes your residence hall, apartment, house and car doors.
• Develop a routine to inspect locks on your doors, windows and other applicable areas to ensure they are working effectively and locked, especially at night.
• Do not leave spare keys in places accessible to others.
• If you lose your key or ID, report it immediately so locks can be changed, and ID access suspended until a new ID has been issued.
• Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.
• If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or WVUPD.
• Download the WVU LiveSafe app.
• If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system, if available.

Additional Resources:
• WVU Police Department - 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136
• WVU CARE Team
• WVU Carruth Center - 304-293-4431
• WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - 304-293-5600
• WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities - 304-293-8111
• WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program - 304-293-5590
• Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center - 304-292-5100
• WVU Office of Campus and Community Life - 304-293-5611
• WVU Student Health - 304-285-7200
• WVU Division of Student Life - 304-293-5811

Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

A Campus Warning is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

-WVU-

sj/12/14/24

MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.

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