Crime beat

Morgan Modjeski, Staff

According to the University of Manitoba Security Services (UMSS), a total of 48 infractions of the law and 162 instances of public assistance occurred at the U of M in March.

Of the 48, Matthew Guyot, community constable at University of Manitoba Security Services, said a total of 36 were infractions of the criminal code.

Amongst the 36 infractions were three cases of assault that took place on campus. All three are still under investigation by UMSS.

One infraction amongst the 36 was a case of breaking and entering, which is still under investigation.

One case of fraud was reported when a counterfeit bill was turned into the admissions office at the University of Manitoba.

There was also one act of indecent exposure in which a male individual was reported to have be seen masturbating in a public place. Guyot said that the case is still under investigation and no charges have been pressed.

A total of nine out of the 36 criminal code infractions were classified as mischief under $5,000, which, according to Guyot, consist of “U of M property damage and personal property damage.”

“Also, vehicles were broken into, [but] if nothing was stolen, it is classified as mischief.”

There was one incident of mischief over $5,000 when a car was stolen from U-Lot. There has been no updated information about the theft.

A total of 18 incidents of theft under $5,000 occurred in March.

“Don’t leave valuables in your locker, vehicle or unattended at any time,” said Guyot.

Under provincial law there were a total of 10 infractions, four of which were incidents where the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act was enforced, and the rest of the infractions fell under the Highway Traffic Act.

There was also one individual caught smoking marijuana that UMSS could not comment on because the investigation is still in process.

A total of 162 incidents were classified as public assistance where UMSS was requested for minor assistance around campus.

Of the 162 public assistance calls, 117 were requests for door access that includes letting people into motor vehicles, offices, and classrooms around the campus.

There were 16 cases in which people used Safewalk, which provides an escort on the campus for anyone who requests one, There were two incidents in which people made an inquiry about a certain location, seven motor vehicle boosts, six cases where people needed locker access and eight requests for assistance with secure doors and alarm panels. There were also four requests to have an officer present and one request for an escort.

UMSS was also contacted to provide a person with a ride to the hospital.

“From time to time, University of Manitoba provides transport to Victoria General Hospital if the injury is non-life-threatening,” said Guyot.

With warmer weather on the way, Guyot said that bicycle traffic to the campus would increase and he recommended that bike riders take a picture of their bikes, keep the sales receipt and make a record of the make, model and serial number.

“File this information in a safe place. This is the information needed to file a police report if your bike is stolen. If the bike is recovered, you would need this information to re-claim your property.”