WVU issues Campus Warning after reported burglaries

West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning on Tuesday (Nov. 26) following burglary and larceny reports on and near the Downtown area of campus.

In two incidents - one at Morgan House, 660 North High St., and one at Phi Kappa Tau, 692 North High St. - the suspect entered through unlocked windows. At least one other off-campus incident was reported nearby.

At the Morgan House location, employees reported the burglary early Tuesday morning.

At the Phi Kappa Tau location, the alleged crime was discovered when officers were following up a separate report about a suspicious person in the area early Tuesday.

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

"Our officers immediately increased patrols in this area which will continue throughout the fall break," Chief Sherry St. Clairsaid. "With so many members of the University community away from campus, there may be additional cases that have not yet been reported. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible."

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/11/26/24

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.