We want to thank the UC Santa Cruz community for reporting suspicious activity that led to the arrests of three suspected bicycle thieves Friday, Oct. 7.
At 6:20 p.m., officers responded to Merrill College for a report of two suspicious individuals attempting to steal bicycles. Officers arrived and subsequently arrested Ryan Flynn, 38, of Santa Cruz and Steven Godwin 44, also of Santa Cruz, on suspicion of possession of controlled substances, burglary tools, and illegal knives, also prowling and multiple outstanding warrants.
At 8:25 p.m., officers responded to Rachel Carson College for a suspicious person attempting to steal a bicycle. Officers arrived and subsequently arrested Solomon Mitchell, 42, of Santa Cruz, on suspicion of attempted petty theft. In addition, officers confiscated a bicycle in Mitchell's possession. The bicycle has since been claimed by its owner.
Bicycle registration is a quick and convenient way that can help in the return of a bike if stolen. The Santa Cruz Police Department offers a free online bicycle registration program at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/departments/police/bicycle-license-registration.
With your help we can continue to deter these types of activities from occurring on campus and hold those responsible if they do occur. Remember to always report suspicious people on campus to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department so we can try to prevent crimes in the future.
Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911 from any landline or cell phone. Reports may also be made by using one of the many "blue light," emergency or elevator phones located throughout the campus, or in person at the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
Safety tips
No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.
- Report all suspicious persons, in-progress crimes, and emergencies to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department by calling 911.
- Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
- Whenever possible, please remember to lock your vehicle and residence doors. Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
- Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
Campus resources
For students, a range of support services is also available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services and support through a Confidential Victim Advocate.
For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support.
This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
