The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking community assistance in identifying the owner of a possibly unreported stolen mountain bicycle.
At 5:40 a.m. on Oct. 4, UC Santa Cruz police officers responded to the bike rack area of College Nine and Ten apartments on a report of two suspicious males looking at bicycles. Police officers found two men, unaffiliated with UC Santa Cruz, with burglary tools and illegal knives. The two men told conflicting stories about why they were on campus. The two males, Conrad Smith, 51, of Santa Cruz, and Jason Meza, 48, of San Jose, were subsequently arrested for possessing burglary tools, illegal knives, and prowling.
In the back of the vehicle driven by the suspects, officers found and confiscated a red Specialized Hardrock mountain bike. It is believed that this bike may have been stolen (see photo attached). If this is your bike or you know whose bike it may be, please notify the UCSC Police Department by calling 831-459-2231, ext. 1.
Remember to always report suspicious people on campus so we can try to prevent crimes in the future.
Anyone with information regarding who may be responsible for these thefts is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department immediately. The community is also 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
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).
