Public Safety Notices 2023

Public Safety Informational Notice: Vehicle Thefts Under Investigation

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) are actively investigating three reports of vehicle thefts. All three reports were made on Monday, May 1. These thefts occurred at 150 Stadium Place, 614 South Crouse Avenue and 919 East Genesee Street.

We believe these thefts are consistent with a nationwide trend of thieves targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to a design flaw that allows these cars to be started without a key. Thieves use a USB cord and a screwdriver to exploit a glitch and jump start the vehicles.

Hyundai and Kia have launched a free service campaign to address this issue. Please review this NHTSA press release for additional information if you own one of these makes.

We ask our community members, particularly those living in off-campus neighborhoods, to remain alert for suspicious activity. Thieves are looking for unlocked car doors and open windows as a mean to gain access to vehicles. So please, make sure your vehicle is locked and always secured.

The Syracuse Police Department (SPD) will be leading these investigations, with the support of DPS officers. Please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224 if you have any information regarding these recent car thefts. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.

This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

Public Safety Informational Notice: Attempted Sexual Assault Reported in Thornden Park

Trigger Warning: This warning addresses a report of sexual misconduct. There are dedicated resources, services and supports for those impacted by sexual and relationship violence. For confidential support, contact the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at 315.443.8000, or visit srv.syr.edu for additional information.

On Friday, April 14, 2023, at approximately 5 p.m. the Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of an attempted sexual assault in Thornden Park. According to the report, a Syracuse University student was approached by an unknown male wearing no clothing. The suspect threatened the student and told the student not to scream. That is when the student claimed to be accompanied by others in the park, which, according to the student, scared off the suspect. The suspect then fled on foot. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a large, heavyset male, approximately 50 years old, standing 5’ 8” to 5’ 9” in height, with a mole under his left eye. The suspect was seen carrying a white shirt and a set of keys.

The Syracuse Police Department (SPD) will be leading the investigation, with the support of DPS officers. If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the incident, please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.

If you or someone you know has been affected by an incident on or near campus, please know that there are resources available to you. There are also dedicated resources, services and supports for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. In addition, for your safety, please review these suggested safety strategies, as well as guidance and intervention strategies on how to be a prosocial bystander.

This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

Public Safety Informational Notice: FALSE Report Called in to Law Enforcement, Confirmed to be FALSE

Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a FALSE report of a rumored active shooter situation in the Maxwell School. Out of an abundance of caution, DPS officers responded and confirmed this report to be FALSE. Together with our law enforcement partners, we are investigating who is responsible for making this false report. If you have any information, please contact DPS or local police.

Public Safety Informational Notice – Preparing Residences for Spring Break

As spring break rapidly approaches many of you will depart our campus during the next couple of days. The Department of Public Safety is reminding the University community to take the necessary steps to protect your residences and belongings before you leave.

For those of you who live on campus, please take the following steps to secure your space:

  • Secure doors and windows.
  • Close all curtains/blinds.
  • Make sure to lock your door.
  • Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
  • Do not give your keys out.
  • Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record including serial numbers.
  • Do not leave credit cards, checkbooks, cash or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief before you know they are gone. ​​​​​​​

If you live off campus, please:

  • Make your residence appear occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
  • Be sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient.
  • Lock sliding glass doors and place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track of the door.
  • Take anything valuable home with you, i.e. laptop computer, video game console, jewelry, etc.
  • Do not leave any valuable items near windows.
  • Take pictures of anything valuable and ensure that you have installed tracking software and documented the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
  • Unplug all electrical items, except your refrigerator and timers.
  • If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.

If you see anything suspicious, for on-campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app or for off-campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.

For those of you who may be traveling for leisure or an academic experience over the break, be mindful of a few travel safety resources:

  • The Covid-19 pandemic can still disrupt travel plans. Be sure to consider where and how you will isolate should you test positive during your trip. If you are traveling internationally be sure to check local rules and guidelines. Please review traveler resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • As always, additional travel resources are available to you from our Global Safety and Support team on the student experience page.
    Even during the spring break, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 315.443.2224 if you observe anything concerning.

As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.

Wishing you all safe travels and a restful spring break.