Announcement: Be Smart with Your Smart Phone

Loyola Community,

Reports of robberies or attempted robberies of iPhones and other smart phones and mobile devices continue to rise not only on campus, but also around the city as well. Many of you have likely been following the story involving the phone thief at the Fullerton Red Line ‘L’ stop that knocked down a 68-year-old woman as he fled. The victim eventually passed away the next day due to her fall. 

We assure you that Campus Safety is working with the Chicago Police Department to prevent these mobile-device crimes near campus and ultimately apprehend the offenders. With that in mind though, we want to take this opportunity to remind the Loyola community about the following tips, which can help minimize your risk of becoming the victim of a robbery or theft:

• When possible, do not walk alone, especially during late-evening and early-morning hours
• Do not wear earphones while you are walking alone, as wearing earphones advertises to a would-be thief that you have a desirable object to steal; you are also eliminating your ability to hear a threat approaching you from behind
• Always avoid talking on the phone or texting while you walk, as this allows someone the opportunity to identify your phone and places it in a relatively easy location for them to steal; texting and walking is also a major contributor to many accidents involving pedestrians who are distracted while crossing the street
• Always pay attention to your surroundings; frequently check the street and address you are near so that if you do become a victim of a crime, you’re able to provide an accurate location of the occurrence to the police
• If you are walking somewhere alone and you start to feel unsafe, find the nearest well-lit, public place and stop and call a friend, Campus Safety (773.508.SAFE), or the police (9-1-1) and request assistance
• Always report suspicious behavior immediately to Campus Safety (773.508.SAFE) or the Chicago Police Department (9-1-1).

Sincerely,

Robert Fine
Director, Campus Safety