DPS continues extortion investigation
Investigators with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) have been working with several other law enforcement agencies on a joint investigation of several reports of threatening telephone calls to U-M students and parents Dec. 2. DPS issued a crime alert Dec. 3 to warn the University community that two students had received calls from a man who claimed he was holding their parents hostage. He threatened to harm the parents if the students didn’t comply with his sexual demands. Four parents also received calls during which the caller stated he was holding their children hostage. The victims reported the man used a foreign accent.
Anyone with information about these calls is asked to call DPS at (734) 763-1131.
Reward extended
Officials at U-M and Washtenaw Community College are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the recovery of recently stolen LCD projectors and the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the thefts. More than 25 projectors valued at more than $130,000 have been stolen from the two schools since March.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call U-M DPS at (734) 763-1131, or the University’s Anonymous Tip-Line at (800) 863-1355.
Burglaries dominate crime map
Eight burglaries on campus were reported in November, including five from residence hall rooms.
A cell phone and Macintosh IPOD computer were reported stolen from a West Quad room Nov. 6 after the room was left unattended and the door left open. Football tickets were reported stolen from an unlocked room in Markley Hall Nov. 17. Two large bags of empty cans reportedly were taken from a locked closet in Alice Lloyd Hall Nov. 12. Money was reported missing Nov. 19 from the front desk safe at Baits Hall.
Additionally, a laptop computer was reported stolen Nov. 8 from an unlocked cabinet in the Canham Natatorium. Two offices were tampered with Nov. 8 at the Madelon Pound House, though nothing was reported missing. A lamp was reported stolen Nov. 11 from a room in the Law Quad.
A 21-year-old student from Northville was arrested Nov. 16 in connection with breaking a door and running through the halls of the Martha Cook residence. The suspect was arrested for breaking and entering and malicious destruction of property. He was released pending authorization from the county prosecutor.
Locked moped stolen
A moped was reported stolen Nov. 10 from a bike rack near Stockwell Hall. The moped, which was secured with a cable lock, was valued at $1,600.
DPS officers participate in grant program
DPS officers recently participated with other law enforcement agencies across Michigan in targeted safety belt enforcement activities. The “Click It or Ticket” program was sponsored by the state Office of Highway Planning and provided grant funding to cover the enforcement expenses. In Washtenaw County, officers from DPS, the Michigan State Police, Washtenaw County Sheriff Department, Ann Arbor Police and Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety collaborated to provide enforcement.
On Nov. 17, DPS issued 68 citations for seatbelt violations and four citations for other traffic violations, and arrested one person for driving with a suspended license. During the three-day Thanksgiving weekend, the four agencies conducted enforcement around Briarwood Mall. They issued 157 citations for seatbelt infractions and seven citations for other infractions, and arrested seven persons.
