To keep you informed:
Over the past few months, a nationwide trend has emerged involving the thefts and attempted thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, due largely to a TikTok social media challenge. This trend has also been observed in our community. Baltimore City Police are investigating several reported incidents over the past week. In response to the social media challenge, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for those models that have been targeted, and will provide it free of charge to vehicle owners.
TIPS FOR REDUCING VEHICLE THEFTS:
• Install alarm systems and an anti-theft device such as a steering
wheel locking system
• Install vehicle immobilizer system and/or tracking system
• Lock your doors and take your keys
• DO NOT leave valuables in your vehicle
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park
• Park in well-lit areas
• Never leave your vehicle unlocked or running unattended
• If your vehicle is a Kia or Hyundai, contact Kia (1-800-333-4542) or Hyundai (1-800- 633-5151) for information on a FREE theft deterrent software update
• You may wish to continue using a steering lock even after having had the software update, since thieves may not be aware that the update was installed and may still damage the vehicle in an attempt to steal it
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF VEHICLE THEFT:
• If occurred on campus, contact Johns Hopkins Public Safety, or 911 immediately to file a stolen vehicle report. You may be asked to provide the following:
o License plate number
o Make, model and color of vehicle
o Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any identifying characteristics
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of your vehicle being stolen
• If you find your vehicle before authorities do, contact the police and your insurance company immediately
For further information and tips, please visit the JHU Public Safety website at https://publicsafety.jhu.edu/resources-services/crime-prevention-education/.
Timely and accurate reporting is critical to crime prevention. Everyone is reminded to contact Campus Security at 667-208-6608 or Baltimore City Police at 911 immediately to report any suspicious person(s) or activity
To keep you informed:
On July 19, 2023, Baltimore Police notified Peabody Campus Security that a robbery (carjacking) had occurred on July 18, 2023 at 9:40 PM in the unit block of West Mount Vernon Place. The non-affiliate victim was exiting their vehicle when three suspects approached them. One of them pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded their car keys. The victim complied, and the suspects drove away in their vehicle. There were no injuries reported at the scene.
Suspect #1: male, wearing sunglasses, a red hoody under a black jacket, and black pants, armed with a handgun
Suspect #2: male, wearing a black shirt and black pants
Suspect #3: male, wearing all black clothing
Campus Security would like all Peabody affiliates to be aware of this incident and to take appropriate precautions as necessary. Everyone is reminded to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to report any suspicious activity. For further information and tips, please visit the JHU Public Safety website at https://publicsafety.jhu.edu/resources-services/crime-prevention-education/.
Timely and accurate reporting is critical to crime prevention. Everyone is reminded to contact Campus Security at 667-208-6608 or Baltimore City Police at 911 immediately to report any suspicious person(s) or activity.
To keep you informed:
Over the last week, there have been two thefts of property on campus: one involving a wallet and another an iPad. Upon review of camera footage by Public Safety, it was determined that affiliates had held the door open for the below described suspect on both occasions.
Suspect: male, aged 45-65, 5’11”, 160 lbs., bald, with a white beard, wearing a blue hat, red t-shirt, blue jeans, and black and white shoes.
Please do not allow anyone to piggyback or tailgate through any entrance unless you personally know the individual is authorized to be on campus. If someone that you don’t know attempts to enter campus, please refer them to the main entrance or to the intercoms located at the card reader entrances. Public Safety can determine if the individual has authorization to enter. Please be mindful of your valuables and do not leave any property unattended.
For further information and tips, please visit the JHU Public Safety website at https://publicsafety.jhu.edu/resources-services/crime-prevention-education/. Timely and accurate reporting is critical to crime prevention. Everyone is reminded to contact Campus Security at 667-208-6608 or Baltimore City Police at 911 immediately to report any suspicious person(s) or activity.