Department will be pooling resources with the police department of the City
of Bethlehem to address what is traditionally an increase in burglaries and
thefts of valuables such as cell phones, GPS systems, computers and other
items.
The Bethlehem Police Department has already seen a marked increase in
robberies over the past month, and we expect this to continue through the
holiday season. These are often crimes of opportunity, that is, theft of
property not properly secured. With your cooperation, we can significantly
reduce the chances that you will be affected.
We are assigning more Community Police officers to patrol both the Lehigh
campus and the areas surrounding the campus, and we ask your cooperation by
incorporating common sense safety measures.
The LUPD reminds all members of the Lehigh community to exercise extra
caution and remain vigilant about your surroundings during this time, and
offers the following advice from the LUPD Crime Prevention unit:
- When shopping, park in well-lit spaces as close to the store as possible.
Lock your car, and hide all packages in the trunk or under the seats.
Remain alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If carrying a
handbag, keep it as close to your body as possible. Place wallets inside a
coat or in a front pants pocket.
- Hide all valuables in your car, including GPS systems (and any apparatus
that attaches the unit to the windshield).
If you live off campus:
- Keep the exterior of your residence well-lit at night.
- Before leaving for the holidays, register your off-campus residence at
www.lehigh.edu/~inlpd/liv_1.
your neighborhood. Since criminal activity increases over semester breaks,
be sure that your home does not become a target. Always lock doors and
windows. If your property is valuable and portable, take it with you. The
use of light timers is recommended. It is also recommended that you make
arrangements regarding the delivery of mail and newspapers so that they do
not accumulate outside your residence.
- If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please report
it to either the Bethlehem Police at 610-865-7187, or the Lehigh University
Police Department at 610-758-4200.
Please keep these tips in mind for a safe and happy holiday season. For
additional information about crime prevention programs, please contact the
Lehigh University Police Department at 610-758-4200.
Sincerely,
Chief Ed Shupp