Two arson reports from School of Music
Staff at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance told U-M police that they had found results of two arsons in July. On July 12 a staff person discovered that two keys on a piano in a practice room had been scorched sometime in the preceding three days. The damage to the piano was estimated to be $1,000. On July 7 a staff person reported to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) that another staff person had discovered a burnt piece of paper on a bulletin board on July 1 after smelling a burning odor in the hallway. No fire was observed and the fire alarm did not activate. There are no suspects in either incident.
Four crime alerts issued since July 30
Four robberies at nearby off-campus locations have been reported to the Ann Arbor Police since July 30. DPS issued crime alerts to the campus community for each of the incidents — armed robberies Aug. 3 at the New York Pizza Depot on East William and Aug. 8 on Linden Street, and unarmed robberies July 31 on Hill Street at East University Ave. and Aug. 1 on Church Street.
The U-M police continue to work with the Ann Arbor Police Department on a variety of cases and safety issues, especially these recent incidents. While neither agency will divulge specific patrolling strategies, adjustments have been made to each agency’s patrol efforts as a result of the recent incidents.
Additionally, students, staff, faculty and visitors should exercise crime prevention techniques in order to help ensure their own safety. These measures include walking in groups or with trusted friends, walking in well-lit areas and remaining vigilant to one’s surroundings. Having a whistle readily available also can serve as a crime deterrent. People who are of legal drinking age should drink and act responsibly so as not to increase their vulnerability and reduce their safety.
For more crime prevention tips, go to the DPS Web site at www.police.umich.edu.
