The University Record, November 16, 1998
By Rebecca A. Doyle
Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers have established “directed patrols” on North Campus, according to DPS Capt. James Smiley, in order to deter vandals. DPS recently has received a large number of reports of malicious destruction to vehicles in that area. Damage to vehicles included broken windshields and outside mirrors, and the theft of some car radios. Most of the incidents have occurred after 9 p.m., Smiley said.
Banners celebrating the Michigan Marching Band and the football team remain missing. The dark blue Marching Band banner disappeared Sept. 26 from above the door on the north side of Revelli Hall just before the Michigan-Michigan State game. The M-Go-Blue banner was taken just before the Sept. 12 game against Syracuse. The Marching Band banner is valued at $900.
Smiley says anyone with information about the whereabouts of the banners or who may have taken them is urged to call DPS at 763-3434.
Anyone who wishes to report information anonymously about this or any other crime can call the anonymous tip line at the Witness Information Network, (800) 863-1355.
DPS will collect non-perishable food items through Dec. 15 for distribution at both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods. Anyone wishing to donate canned or packaged items can take them to any substation or to the main DPS office at 1239 Kipke Dr. Substations are located in Mason Hall, Pierpont Commons and the Church Street Carport.
“There are always families out here that are in need of food,” says DPS Sgt. Benny Chenevert, who is coordinating the collection effort.
Students, faculty and staff who will be out of their rooms or offices over the holiday breaks should take a last look around to make sure they have not left money, jewelry, watches, expensive equipment or cameras. Close and lock doors and windows, know where your keys are, engrave all electronic equipment that will be left behind and don’t leave your answering machine on saying you will be gone, cautions Smiley.
Each year, when DPS makes normal building checks during the holiday period, it finds that someone has left in a hurry and forgotten one or more of the safety precautions considered to be common sense.