Safety alert for Vancouver campus – May 22

UBC is committed to maintaining a safe campus environment. Recently there have been two incidents reported that are of concern and are currently being investigated by the RCMP. We believe that it is important to advise the community so that individuals can remain alert and make informed decisions about their personal safety.

On May 19, 2013 at 2:50 am, a female resident of UBC was walking along Wesbrook Mall near Thunderbird Blvd when a male approached from behind and groped her. The suspect quickly fled the scene. He is described as a man of Middle Eastern descent in his early to mid-20s, slim build, 5’8″ tall, dark brush cut hair, stubble beard with an oval shaped face, wearing a grey hooded jacket, dark blue jeans and white runners.

A similar incident occurred on April 19, 2013 on Larkin Drive in the Hawthorne Place area. The suspect is described as a male of unknown race, slim build, 5’9″ tall, wearing a dark shirt, dark pants and dark shoes with white trim.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the University RCMP at 604-224-1322 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.

The University is doing everything possible to assist the RCMP in their investigation. Campus Security and the RCMP continue to provide preventative patrols and response to reported incidents.

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Personal Security is an important consideration for everyone at UBC. Please consider some of the options below to enhance your safety on campus.

  • Follow your intuition about your personal security. If something doesn’t feel safe, trust your intuition.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
  • Let someone know your plans and expected return time.
  • Use AMS Safewalk (604-822-5355) to request accompaniment while walking on campus (only during the Fall and Winter semesters)
  • Use any of the 3 Community Shuttles on campus. Times and routes can be found at http://transportation.ubc.ca/transportation-options/transit/community-shuttles/
  • Know the location of the UBC Blue Phones. These connect directly to Campus Security.
  • When jogging or walking, remain in areas of high visibility and try to go with a friend. If this is not possible, or you simply enjoy running or walking alone, carry a safety whistle and/or a cell phone.
  • Remain alert by not wearing any electronic device that could prevent you from hearing any signs of danger.
  • Know your location and be able to describe where you are if you need to call for help.
  • Only accept rides from someone you know well.
  •  If having a conversation with someone you meet, refer to ‘we’ to indicate you are not alone.
  • When entering or exiting a locked residence, ensure that the door is secured before proceeding.
  • Set the phone number for UBC Campus Security number (604-822-2222) in your cell or desk phone speed dial.

If you witness a crime or are being targeted, call 911 immediately. If you have information about a crime that has already occurred, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text 274637 with keyword “BCTIP.”