Seeking assistance with campus vandalism incidents

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police

UC Santa Cruz police are seeking the campus community’s help in the investigation of a series of vandalism incidents that have occurred throughout campus since Friday. The vandalism has occurred primarily on Science Hill, and at Cowell and Stevenson colleges.

The vandalism includes intentional interruption of electrical power, causing street lights not to work; tampering and damaging natural-gas valves, causing gas leaks; and pouring materials into bathroom drains, causing serious plumbing problems. These are dangerous acts that increase the risk to the health and safety of our campus community.

Anyone who has information regarding these incidents is asked to call the campus dispatch center at 831-459-2231, Ext. 1. All suspicious activities should be reported as soon as possible to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department. Timely reporting allows the department to keep the campus safe and to help locate those responsible. 

Safety tips

• Be alert to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you feel uneasy, or if someone is in an area where it would appear they should not be, alert authorities, avoid the person, and leave the area.

• If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911.

• If you smell natural gas, also call 911 as soon as possible.

• If you see something, say something. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.