Phone:(434) 924-7166
Fax: (434) 982-2817
Saferide: (434) 242-1122

2304 Ivy Road
P.O. Box 400214
Charlottesville, VA 22903-44790

Safety Announcements:

June 8, 2009:

Charlottesville Police responded to a robbery incident that occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. on July 7, 2009. Three suspects entered a residence on Price Avenue (near Maury Avenue) holding two victims at gunpoint while demanding money. The first victim, a UVA student, was struck in the face suffering minor injuries. The second victim, a Charlottesville resident, was not injured. The suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction.

The suspects are described as black males between the ages of 18 and 22. The first suspect is described as having a lean build, approximately 5'9" weighing 160 lbs. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black t-shirt and faded blue jeans. The second suspect is described as having a slightly heavy build. The third suspect is described as 6'1" tall, weighing between 220 and 240 lbs.

Anyone having information related to this incident should call the Charlottesville Police at 434-970-3280 or Crimestoppers at 434-977-4000.

While the weather can be warm and members of the community are tempted to keep doors and windows open and unlocked - the University Police want to issue a few key safety reminders.

Charlottesville remains a relatively safe environment however, crimes do occur in our community. The best defense is to be prepared and take responsibility for your own safety. A few key reminders:

* Keep your doors and windows locked, even when you are home.

* Close your drapes and/or shades to prevent others from seeing inside your residence.

* Trust your instincts about a person or situation. If you feel uncomfortable, immediately report your concerns to police by calling 911.

* Be aware of your surroundings, don't let a cell phone conversation or listening to music distract you when walking or in a situation that calls for your full attention.

* Avoid isolated areas when walking alone at night. Use SafeRide (434-242-1122), walk with friends, or use the bus service.

April 25, 2009:

Charlottesville Police responded to a robbery incident that occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on April 25, 2009. The victim, a resident of Charlottesville, reported that he was robbed by an unidentified suspect near the 1900 block of Lewis Mountain Road. The suspect fled on foot after taking the victim's wallet and cell phone. The unidentified suspect is described as a black male between the age of 20 and 25. He is believed to be approximately 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds.

Anyone having information related to this incident should call Crimestoppers at (434)977-4000 or the Charlottesville Police at ( 434)970-3280.

As the spring semester nears an end and students are busier participating in late night social events and out later preparing for exams the University Police want to issue a few key safety reminders.

While Charlottesville remains a relatively safe environment, crimes do occur in our community. The best defense is to be prepared and to take responsibility for your own safety and that of your friends and fellow students. A few key reminders:

  • Trust your instincts about a person or situation. If you feel uncomfortable, immediately report your concerns to police by calling 911.
  • If you are on the Grounds and need help, just pick up one of the blue-light telephones. You automatically will be connected to University Police.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Do not let a cell phone conversation or listening to music distract you when walking or in a situation that calls for your full attention.
  • Avoid isolated areas when walking alone at night. Use SafeRide (434-242-1122), walk with friends, or take a late-night weekend bus.

March 20, 2009:

The Charlottesville Police Department responded to a robbery incident that occurred between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Friday March 20, 2009. The victim, a University of Virginia student, reported being robbed by two suspects after he invited them into his apartment on Madison Lane.

Charlottesville Police arrested one of the suspects a few hours after the incident. The second suspect is described as a white male between twenty five and thirty years of age. He is approximately five foot nine inches tall and weighs approximately one hundred and ninety pounds.

Anyone having information related to this incident should call the Charlottesville Police at 434-970-3280 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.


March 7, 2009:

University Police responded to a robbery incident that occurred at 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009. The victim, a University of Virginia student, reported that he was robbed by two unidentified suspects in the breezeway between Bryan Hall and New Cabell Hall.

The suspects demanded money and the victim's iPod. The victim was struck in the face before both suspects fled on foot. The victim was treated at the U.Va. Emergency Department and later released.

Anyone having information related to this incident should call Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000 or the University Police at 434-924-7166.

 

Safety Tips:

Pedestrian Rail Safety Tips:

  • Train tracks are private property, no matter which railroad owns them.  Trains have the right of way 100% of the time---over ambulances, fire engines, cars, the police and pedestrians.
  • Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and it's dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
  • Trains can move in either direction at any time. Trains are sometimes pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled. This is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
  • Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale "clackety-clack." Also, an approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than you think.
  • A train may extend three feet or more outside the steel rail, which makes the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the rails themselves.
  • Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
  • Remember: Rail and recreation do not mix!

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

  • When a crosswalk signal is present, only cross when authorized.
  • Even when authorized, always look left, right and then left again before crossing. 
  • Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
  • Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road, never in the roadway.
  • Stop and look left, then right, then left again, before crossing.
  • If you see a car, wait until it goes by.  Remember, only the driver can stop the vehicle and he has to choose to stop. 
  • If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the car.  Then go to the edge of the car and look left-right-left until no cars are coming. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing, and remember, walk. Don’t run.
  • Watch for turning vehicles pulling from the wrong side of the street or from private drives.
  • Do not text message or read while crossing.
  • Do not blindly follow others or allow others to direct you across the street without looking.