Last month, University Police were kept busy preparing for students’ arrival back on the campus and responding to more than 130 crimes and other incidents, such as reports of stolen merchandise from the University Book Center in Stamp Student Union and utility poles engulfed in flames.

THEFT — On Aug. 1, a staff member saw a male reach into a bag situated behind the bleachers at Ludwig Field during a pre-teen lacrosse camp and steal a cell phone. Although the staff member called University Police, the male fled on a bicycle and police were unable to find him. The case is still active, but police found the cell phone in Lot 1B.

“The guy who took the phone knew he was spotted by the staff member which may have rattled him,” police spokesperson Capt. Marc Limansky said. “He may have dropped [the phone in Lot 1B] while trying to get away on his bike.”

In another incident the next day, a student left her purse unattended on the third floor of McKeldin Library around 2 p.m. Her bag was missing when she returned to her workspace. Police still have not found the bag, and the case is still active, police said.

TRESPASSING — Two males were spotted in a restricted area near the Golub building, a vacant university building off of Rivertech Court, on Aug. 6 around 12:30 p.m. Although police determined the males did not enter the building — they claimed they were taking pictures for a portfolio — police issued denials of access to the university.

Limansky said even though the boys did not enter the building, the area is fenced off and access is prohibited.

“It’s an old abandoned building prone to gang tagging and often juveniles are found inside,” he said. “It’s not the safest place to be.”

In a separate incident Monday, an officer saw an individual who was previously denied access to the university sitting on a wall on Regents Drive; the incident resulted in the individual’s arrest.

SHOPLIFTING — Police received a report of four males shoplifting at the University Book Store on Aug. 8 around 2:30 p.m.

Officers found three of the four suspects — all between 15 and 16 years old — after reviewing video evidence provided by the book store. They stole numerous clothing items, and the three Washington natives were charged with a juvenile petition. The fourth suspect has not been found.

Limansky said thefts from the book store are most common at the start and end of the semester, since that is when the store experiences the most activity. Although this incident only involved stolen clothing, students have been caught stealing textbooks in the past, Limansky said.

FIRE — Officers noticed a utility pole — which has wires that run down University Boulevard — on fire Aug. 14. The fire department put out the fire and Pepco cut the power at about 1:30 p.m., but the incident did not affect the power on the campus, Limansky said.

BURGLARY — On Aug 17, a university employee’s identification card was taken from their office in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center around 7:20 a.m. Although the employee claims the door to the office was locked, police found no signs of forced entry. The case is still active.

Limansky said the stolen card can be used to access different areas across the campus, noting a criminal could easily access places the staff member could. He added that officers advise students and faculty to deactivate their cards immediately if they-go missing.

HARASSMENT — A female student received unwanted text messages from her ex-fiance Aug. 20 around 9 a.m. No arrests were made, but the victim may seek a protective order.

“If the victim tells the person to stop the annoying behavior and the behavior continues, the person is committing the crime of harassment and is subject to criminal charges,” Limansky said. “Thus far in this case, text messaging is the extent of the behavior.”

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY — A university employee believes money was stolen from his cubicle in the Architecture building Aug. 25 around 3 p.m. The case is still active.

Limansky said the employee probably left his money unattended in the cubicle because he believed the building was safe.

“Working in an area for an extended time and not having any issues would likely cause a person to let her or his guard down,” he said.

egan at umdbk dot com