Crime Prevention Alert Notices are issued to advise members of the College community of recent significant criminal activities reported on or near the City College of New York

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE ALERT

October 2018

To the CCNY Community:

Within the past few days, suspicious packages of what appeared to be explosive devices were sent to prominent individuals throughout several locations. The packages were identified and intercepted during routine mail screenings before they could reach their intended targets.   All of the devices were delivered in weighty large manila envelopes with the addresses in block type letters with hand-applied USPS stamps bearing the America Flag. 

Though there are no indications that members of the CCNY community are targeted, nonetheless we should remain vigilant.   Some characteristics of a suspicious package include: protruding wires; excessive or missing postage stamps; unusual mail from unknown origins; no return address; strange odors; oily stains on the wrapper; addresses that are misspelled, poorly typed, or are nameless. 

If you find a suspicious package, please do the following:

• Do not touch the package
• Report the package to CCNY Public Safety by calling (212) 650-7777 using a hard wired telephone - Do no use your cell phone as it could trigger the bomb
• Give your name and the location and description of the package to the Public Safety Dispatcher 
• Leave the area, take people with you and find a safe area that is at least 300 feet away from the package
• Do not reoccupy the space until you are authorized to do so by the Police or members of the CCNY Public Safety Department

Here is the link to the USPS poster on Suspicious Mail or Packages.  https://about.usps.com/posters/pos84.pdf

SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU!

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT OUR SAFETY TIPS PAGE

CRIME TIPS - DON'T BE A VICTIM!

The Department of Public Safety would like to update you of some recent incidents that occurred near CCNY.

INCIDENT #1           NYPD 26 Pct. Detectives arrested 2 of the 3 males

A Robbery occurred on October 4, 2018 at approximately 9:00 am.  A CCNY student was approached by three males inside St. Nicholas Park who removed his property by threatening him with physical forced if the student did not comply.  This matter is currently under investigation by the Detectives of the NYPD assisted by the CCNY Public Safety Department.
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INCIDENT #2          NYPD 26 Pct. Detectives arrested 1 male - 1 still wanted

A second Robbery occurred on October 8, 2018 at approximately 7:30 pm.  A CCNY student was walking inside St. Nicholas Park when he was approached by two males who grabbed the student’s cell phone and pushed her to the ground.   This matter is also currently under investigation by the Detectives of the NYPD assisted by the CCNY Public Safety Department.

INCIDENT #3           NYPD 26 Pct. Patrol arrested 1 male the same day

A third Robbery that occurred on October 9, 2018 at approximately 1:00 am.  Two CCNY students were walking on Convent Avenue at the corner of West 129th Street when a male displayed a knife and demanded their property.  This incident resulted in an immediate arrest by the NYPD’s 26th Precinct. 

INCIDENT #4           The Investigation is still ongoing

The fourth and final incident occurred on the morning of October 10, 2018 and it involved a non-College person who observed a man in St. Nicholas Park exposing his genitals.  CCNY Public Safety is working with Detectives from the NYPD in an effort to apprehend this individual.

CRIME TIPS

Assertive police strategies have cut crime dramatically in New York. You can help reduce crime further by knowing these simple facts:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. If you believe you are being followed or targeted, chances are you may be - "Stay Alert".
• Limit use of cellular phones, I-Pod like devices, etc. while traveling - Avoid walking and texting or talking on your cell phone.
• Use headsets - if they can't see the phone they can't grab it.
• Carry your purse close to your body with the clasp facing inwards.
• Hold on to your cell phone and keep it secured and out of sight when not in use.
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.
• Carry your wallet in the breast pocket of your jacket or in the front pants pocket - never in the rear pants pocket.
• Be wary of con artists - some divert your attention while another picks your pocket or grabs your cell phone.
• If possible, carry a personal alarm that you can activate to alert the public if you need assistance.
• Follow your instincts - "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
• When you are in a restaurant or store, do not leave your handbag over the back of the chair or in a shopping cart unattended.
• Report suspicious activities to the Department of Public Safety.
• There is Safety in Numbers - Coordinate your schedule with fellow students or friends and walk to and from classes together - This will help reduce the risk of being targeted by a potential assailant.
• Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well-lighted, busy pathways and streets.
• Use the college shuttle bus service to travel to and from campus to designated local subway stops.
• You can track the status of the College bus in real-time via NEXTBUS video displays located at the main entrances to the NAC and Marshak buildings or you can track it on-line, via text or via a smart phone – go to https://nextbus.cubic.com/Mobile-Access for additional information.

P.O. Nidia Polonia, Crime Prevention Officer (212) 650-6036
CCNY Public Safety Department
NAC Room 4/201
24 Hour Public Safety General Questions (212) 650-6911
EMERGENCIES (212) 650-7777 

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Secure Your Bike

• Always lock your bike's frame and wheels with a high-quality lock and chain or U-lock (with a high security barrel or flat key) that is warranted by the manufacturer against theft. (HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF LOCKS)
• Always lock your bike, even if you're just leaving it for a moment.
• Always lock your bike's frame and wheels with a high-quality lock and chain or U-lock (with a high security barrel or flat key).
• Remove all detachable items like lights, bags and quick release parts and take them with you.
• Lock to a bike rack, or off campus to firmly affixed (bolts covered in concrete) parking meter or light pole - these are the most secure places. NYC law prohibits securing bikes to trees or NYC subway stairs.
• Record your bike's serial number and keep the receipt of purchase on file.On Campus Resources.
• Register your bicycle with NYPD/CCNY Public Safety at scheduled crime prevention days or by appointment - call (212) 650-6911.
• Utilize authorized bicycle racks located in front of Marshak Building and in the 138th Street Alleyway (rear of Wingate Hall).
• If you notice any suspicious activity contact Public Safety via Blue Light Emergency Phone Stations or (212) 650-7777.

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