At approximately 09:15 a.m. today, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department responded to Merrill College after a community member reported a suspicious person to our dispatch center.
A subsequent investigation revealed that a bicycle outside of Harvey House had been stolen. The bicycle was later recovered outside of Maxwell House. With a great description of the subject, our officers conducted an extensive search and located Adam Brightwell, 38, of Santa Cruz, the subject described by the community member, holding bolt cutters at the bicycle racks at Porter College.
Brightwell admitted to stealing the bicycle and was arrested for petty theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, and nonaffiliate possessing a knife on campus.
This arrest, coupled with other arrests over the past few weeks, exemplify how working together we can prevent crime in our community.
The community is encouraged to report all crimes and suspicious activity or persons by dialing 911 or 831-459-2231, ext. 1.
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
Victims are not responsible for being victimized, regardless of any action or inaction on their part. 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).
