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  • CSA 22-008: Taxi Scams Targeting Students

    Broadcast Time: 13:00 Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert (CSA) Occurrence #: N/A The University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constable Service is alerting the community about an ongoing Taxi scam that is targeting students. Example: A taxi rider approaches you asking for help paying the taxi fare with a debit card as the driver is not accepting cash due to COVID. The rider hands you cash and you pay the taxi driver with your debit card. Once you've entered your PIN, the driver and rider distract you - taking your card and handing back a different one. You don't realize until you go to use your card later and find money has been withdrawn. Prevention: Look for signs that the vehicle is a legal taxi such as signage; city licensed plate; taxi numbers and fare meter are clearly visible. Look for signs that the driver is a properly licensed taxi cab operator. A name and photo card should be clearly visible. When paying the fare, the driver will ask for a debit payment. When the POS terminal is presented, try the ‘TAP’ feature, if it doesn’t work, it’s sometimes an indication that it’s a fake terminal. When you input your PIN#, use a different PIN# -if the terminal says ‘approved’ that’s another indicator that the terminal is a fake one. Always inspect your debit card to make sure that it is yours – mark it with marker or a sticker on the back to make it clearly identifiable as your card. If this taxi scam happens to you make note of the taxi or fake taxi and take a picture of the vehicle. Call police and your bank to cancel your card. Remember - hit P.A.U.S.E. when you are unsure. If you have questions about protecting yourself from fraud, the following is an excellent source of information: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

  • CSA 22-007: Sexual Assault - University College

    Broadcast Time: 14:00 Date: Friday, May 27, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert Occurrence #: UT22011386 The University of Toronto Campus Safety Service would like to make the U of T community aware of a sexual assault reported to University Special Constables and Toronto Police. On Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 1:30pm, in the basement of University College, 15 King's College Circle, a female student reported being approached and touched inappropriately by an unknown male. The suspect fled the area. The student informed Campus Safety and Toronto Police were notified. The suspect is described as a male, 20 - 25 years old, muscular build, 5'8"- 5'9" height, hairy, wearing all grey clothing and yellow tinted sunglasses. If you observe this individual please do not approach and contact Campus Safety immediately at 416-978-2222. Campus Safety Special Constables have increased patrols in the area. Students, Staff and Faculty are reminded of the various safety programs offered on campus, including those listed below. Supports Available on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment, the University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre can help you understand, access and navigate supports such as counselling, medical services, academic or workplace accommodations, financial aid and legal aid. This includes helping you understand your reporting options. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-2266 Email: svpscentre@utoronto.ca Community Safety Office The Community Safety Office offers short-term support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns. They can work with you to develop a personal safety plan to address your on-campus safety concerns and explore a variety of other support resources that may be appropriate in the community and on-campus. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-1485 Email: community.safety@utoronto.ca TravelSafer: This is a 24/7 service available to the U of T community and is available to and from all U of T buildings or abutting TTC stations. This service can be arranged by calling 416-978-SAFE (7233) or by using the U of T Safety App to arrange an escort. Virtual TravelSafer and Mobile Bluelight: These features are available through the U of T Safety App and can be used to trigger a distress beacon, in the event of an emergency, to send your location to a Campus Safety dispatcher and summon help. Campus Safety would also like to share these personal safety strategies to keep in mind when travelling around the city. · Travel with a friend or in a group. · Be alert and aware of your surroundings. · Use well-lit, well-traveled routes. · Avoid dark, deserted areas. · Don’t show off valuables like iPhones & AirPods. · Keep your ears alert. Do not use headphones after dark. · While on campus contact 416-978-2222 or use an emergency phone if you need help. If You Sense You Are In Trouble: · Move away from the potential threat if possible. · Join any group of people nearby; cross the street and increase your pace. · If a threatening situation is imminent, and people are close by to help, yell, scream or make a commotion in any way you can to get their attention. · Go to an open business and request help. · Call 911 or Campus Safety if on campus.

  • CSA 22-006: Sexual Assault - University College (Exterior)

    Broadcast Time: 08:00 Date: Friday, April 29, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert Occurrence #: UT22017274 The University of Toronto Campus Safety Service would like to make the U of T community aware of a sexual assault reported to University Special Constables and Toronto Police. On Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 2pm, in the area of University College, 15 King's College Circle, a female student reported being approached and touched inappropriately by an unknown male. The suspect fled the area. The student informed Campus Safety and Toronto Police were notified. The suspect is described as a male, Caucasian, 30’s, 170cm, heavy build and wearing all black clothing. If you are aware of any suspicious activity while on campus, please contact Special Constables immediately at 416-978-2222. Students, Staff and Faculty are reminded of the various safety programs offered on campus, including those listed below. Supports Available on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment, the University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre can help you understand, access and navigate supports such as counselling, medical services, academic or workplace accommodations, financial aid and legal aid. This includes helping you understand your reporting options. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-2266 Email: svpscentre@utoronto.ca Community Safety Office The Community Safety Office offers short-term support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns. They can work with you to develop a personal safety plan to address your on-campus safety concerns and explore a variety of other support resources that may be appropriate in the community and on-campus. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-1485 Email: community.safety@utoronto.ca TravelSafer: This is a 24/7 service available to the U of T community and is available to and from all U of T buildings or abutting TTC stations. This service can be arranged by calling 416-978-SAFE (7233) or by using the U of T Safety App to arrange an escort. Virtual TravelSafer and Mobile Bluelight: These features are available through the U of T Safety App and can be used to trigger a distress beacon, in the event of an emergency, to send your location to a Campus Safety dispatcher and summon help. Campus Safety would also like to share these personal safety strategies to keep in mind when travelling around the city. · Travel with a friend or in a group. · Be alert and aware of your surroundings. · Use well-lit, well-traveled routes. · Avoid dark, deserted areas. · Don’t show off valuables like iPhones & AirPods. · Keep your ears alert. Do not use headphones after dark. · While on campus contact 416-978-2222 or use an emergency phone if you need help. If You Sense You Are In Trouble: · Move away from the potential threat if possible. · Join any group of people nearby; cross the street and increase your pace. · If a threatening situation is imminent, and people are close by to help, yell, scream or make a commotion in any way you can to get their attention. · Go to an open business and request help. · Call 911 or Campus Safety if on campus.

  • CSA 22-005: Employment Scams Targeting Students

    Broadcast Time: 12:30 Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert (CSA) Occurrence #: N/A The University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constable Service is alerting the community about an ongoing work from home scam - fake employment offer that is targeting students. U of T emails appear to have been compromised and utilized to post online employment offers or link to websites and later ask applicants to accept money through an e-transfer or deposit a cheque. The applicant is told to withdraw funds (sometimes to pay for office supplies) from their own account and some are asked to deposit money into crypto currency accounts or purchase gift cards. If cheques are provided by the scammers they are not honoured by the bank and the applicant is left with the outstanding debt. Campus Safety is reminding everyone to exercise care and to thoroughly research any prospective employers and be suspicious of activity that requires you to deal with quantities of money or cryptocurrency in a work from home setting. Remember - hit P.A.U.S.E. before responding to any communication that you are unsure about. If you believe your email has been compromised please report this immediately to the U of T ITS Security Team and exercise caution when using Wi-Fi connections that are not known to be secure. If you have questions about protecting yourself from fraud, the following is an excellent source of information: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm Become security savvy. Learn best practices for keeping your devices and online information secure by reporting phishing emails and reviewing the University of Toronto's information security awareness and education initiative.

  • CSA 22-004: Attempt Theft of Motor Vehicle

    Broadcast Time: 09:30 Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert Occurrence #: UT22016825 / TPS Occurrence #: 22-767653 The University of Toronto Campus Safety Service would like to make the U of T community aware of an incident that was reported to University Special Constables and Toronto Police. On Sunday April 24, 2022, in the late evening, a University of Toronto student parked their vehicle near Robarts Library. At this time two suspects approached the victim, and attempted to steal their vehicle. The victim sustained a non-life threatening injury during the incident. If you see any suspicious activity while on campus, please contact Special Constables immediately at 416-978-2222. U of T Campus Safety would like to remind the community of the following personal safety support services and resources that are available to them. Community Safety Office The Community Safety Office offers short-term support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns. They can work with you to develop a personal safety plan to address your on-campus safety concerns and explore a variety of other support resources that may be appropriate in the community and on-campus. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-1485 Email: community.safety@utoronto.ca TravelSafer: This is a 24/7 service available to the U of T community and is available to and from all U of T buildings or abutting TTC stations. This service can be arranged by calling 416-978-SAFE (7233) or by using the U of T Safety App to arrange an escort. Virtual TravelSafer and Mobile Bluelight: These features are available through the U of T Safety App and can be used to trigger a distress beacon, in the event of an emergency, to send your location to a Campus Safety dispatcher and summon help. Campus Safety would also like to share these personal safety strategies to keep in mind when travelling around the city. · Travel with a friend or in a group. · Be alert and aware of your surroundings. · Use well-lit, well-traveled routes. · Avoid dark, deserted areas. · Don’t show off valuables like iPhones & AirPods. · Keep your ears alert. Do not use headphones after dark. · While on campus contact 416-978-2222 or use an emergency phone if you need help. If You Sense You Are In Trouble: · Move away from the potential threat if possible. · Join any group of people nearby; cross the street and increase your pace. · If a threatening situation is imminent, and people are close by to help, yell, scream or make a commotion in any way you can to get their attention. · Go to an open business and request help. · Call 911 or Campus Safety if on campus.

  • BEWARE OF RENTAL SCAMS

    The Toronto rental market is extremely competitive, especially for rentals beginning September 1. We would like to remind students who are looking for a place to live off-campus for the coming school year - especially those who are not going to be in Toronto over the summer for in-person viewings - that landlord/rental housing scams are real and on the rise in the GTA and can happen to an unsuspecting renter. Here are our best tips to help you avoid getting scammed: Conduct basic research. Be suspicious of any rent or unit that has a price that is listed is far below market value or sounds too good to be true. When looking for a rental, never rent sight-unseen and always meet the landlord in person. Consider renting from verified property management companies if you are renting from outside of the GTA and are unable to schedule an in-person viewing. Landlords can only legally ask for first and last month’s rent and a refundable key deposit, which should be paid at the time of ​signing the lease. ​No other fees are legal. Never pay a rental deposit with cash, wire transfer, Moneygram, Bitcoin, or MoneyPak, as these forms of payment are impossible to track. Click here to know more about common rental housing scams, and learn more tips here on how to protect yourself from Landlord or Rental scams. For more information or to consult with a member of the University of Toronto Housing Services team contact housing.services@utoronto.ca.

  • CSA 22-003: Sexual Assault - St. George Campus

    Broadcast Time: 07:03 PM Date: Thursday, March 17, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert Occurrence #: UT22011331 The University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constable Service would like to make the U of T community aware of a sexual assault reported to University Special Constables and Toronto Police. On Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9:30 pm on the St. George Campus, a female student reported being touched inappropriately by an unknown male. The suspect fled the area when the victim walked away. The student immediately informed the Campus Safety Special Constable Service and Toronto Police were notified. The suspect is described as a male white, 40's, 5'9", large build, grey beard wearing a black surgical mask. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket with blue pants. If you are aware of any suspicious activity while on campus, please contact Special Constables immediately at 416-978-2222. Students, Staff and Faculty are reminded of the various safety programs offered on campus, including those listed below. Supports Available on Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment, the University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre can help you understand, access and navigate supports such as counselling, medical services, academic or workplace accommodations, financial aid and legal aid. This includes helping you understand your reporting options. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-2266 Email: svpscentre@utoronto.ca Community Safety Office The Community Safety Office offers short-term support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns. They can work with you to develop a personal safety plan to address your on-campus safety concerns and explore a variety of other support resources that may be appropriate in the community and on-campus. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9AM to 5PM Telephone: 416-978-1485 Email: community.safety@utoronto.ca U of T Campus Safety would also like to remind the community of the following personal safety resources that are available to them: TravelSafer: This is a 24/7 service available to the U of T community and is available to and from all U of T buildings or abutting TTC stations. This service can be arranged by calling 416-978-SAFE (7233) or by using the U of T Safety App to arrange an escort. Virtual TravelSafer and Mobile Bluelight: These features are available through the U of T Safety App and can be used to trigger a distress beacon, in the event of an emergency, to send your location to a Campus Safety dispatcher and summon help.

  • CSA 22-002: Toronto Police - Public Safety Alert, Cryptocurrency Scam

    Broadcast Time: 01:30 PM Date: Monday, February 28, 2022 Type: Community Safety Alert Occurrence #: N/A

  • Service Advisory: Road Restrictions and Traffic Delays This Weekend (Feb 11-13)

    Last updated: Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 07:00 PM Broadcast Time: 11:00 AM Date: Friday, February 11, 2022 Type: Service Advisory Occurrence #: N/A The University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constable Service is advising the community of road restrictions and traffic delays in and around the St. George campus this weekend due to public safety operations related to possible demonstrations at Queen's Park. There will be an increased police presence in the area. Members of the University of Toronto community are advised to avoid the Queen's Park area this weekend and remain vigilant on the St. George campus. This weekend, Robarts Research Library and Gerstein Library will remain open for students studying for mid-terms. Hart House will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. but only for the U of T community; the only public entrance will be from Tower Road (only pedestrian access). The Athletic Centre, Goldring Centre and Varsity Centre will remain open this weekend but will restrict access to the U of T community. The University remains open at this time. Buildings will continue to be accessible to the U of T community by security fob or key. Road closures on Main Campus will go into effect as of 10 PM on Friday, February 11, 2022. Parking garages will also close at 10 PM but surface parking lots will remain open. Several city road closures are already in place in the surrounding area. We'd also like to remind our community of the personal safety resources available to them like TravelSafer or Virtual TravelSafer and FriendWalk available through the U of T Safety App. Request a TravelSafer to have a uniformed officer provide an escort to and from any destination on campus (or an abutting TTC station). This service is available 24/7 and can be requested by calling 416-978-7233. Please keep in mind that with this weekend’s demonstrations, there may be an increased demand for this service. Virtual TravelSafer and FriendWalk are also two personal safety resources available through the U of T Safety App which some may find more accessible this weekend. Both features allow you to share your live location (for the duration of your trip) with either a Campus Safety dispatcher or with a trusted friend and trigger an alert if you need help. You can download the U of T Safety App here: U of T Safety App The University will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please check the Campus Status website for further updates and plan ahead. High-priority information will be shared through the University's emergency alert system (UTAlert). Register for UTAlert at: utoronto.ca/alerts. For the latest Campus Status, visit: www.utoronto.ca/campus-status For updates related to the demonstration (including information on city road restrictions) follow Toronto Police Operations on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TPSOperations

  • Service Advisory: Campus Roads Open

    Broadcast Time: 08:00 AM Date: Monday, February 7, 2022 Type: Service Advisory Occurrence #: N/A The University of Toronto Campus Safety Special Constable Service is advising the community that all roads on main campus are now open. Most city roads have also re-opened. All campus parking lots have re-opened and University buildings have returned to regular access. Campus Safety Special Constables are continuing to work with public safety partners to ensure the safety of our campus community. As a reminder, our TravelSafer service remains available to members of our community who may feel uncomfortable walking to and from a campus destination by themselves. Please call 416-978-7233 to request this service. We encourage community members to continue using the Virtual TravelSafer and FriendWalk features on the UofT Safety App. Both features allow you to share your live location (for the duration of your trip) with either a Campus Safety dispatcher or with a trusted friend and trigger an alert if you need help. Click here to download the Safety App. High priority information will be shared through the University's emergency alert system (UTAlert). Register for UTAlert at: http://utoronto.ca/alerts For the latest Campus Status, visit: www.utoronto.ca/campus-status For the latest updates on city road closures, follow Toronto Police Operations on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TPSOperations

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