Dear Augsburg community,

In the past 24 hours, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has received two reports of motor vehicles on or near campus being damaged by another vehicle that left the scene. As a result of these reports, the University is issuing a crime advisory to notify the community and to share important safety tips.

Reported Offense(s): Motor Vehicle Hit and Run Incidents

On Wednesday, January 29 at approximately 11:12 a.m., DPS was notified that a student’s motor vehicle had been damaged in a hit and run incident sometime between 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28 and the reported time. The incident occurred on the 800 block of 22nd Ave S.

On Wednesday, January 29 at approximately 1:54 p.m., DPS was notified that a student’s motor vehicle had been damaged in a hit and run incident sometime between 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28 and the reported time. The incident occurred on the 700 block of 21st Ave S.

Suspect Description

There is no suspect description for either report.

Status

DPS is currently investigating these incidents. Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Minneapolis Police Department or Augsburg DPS at 612-330-1717.

Reporting Incidents

Augsburg asks its community members to report any and all concerns that may impact our campus community. If You See Something – Say Something. To report, please contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 612-330-1717. You can also download the CampusShield app (through Apple or Android) to message DPS. We also encourage you to utilize the resources available on the DPS website.

If a motor vehicle accident occurs on Minneapolis-owned streets, individuals are strongly encouraged to contact MPD at 3-1-1 to file a report.

Safety Tips

• Because it is winter and snow is melting, streets are narrower and it can be difficult to see vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians that are parked, backing out, or crossing the street. Be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention as you are driving.
• When parking, make sure you are parked as far as you are able in your spot or as close to the curb as possible. Make sure there is enough space between you and any adjacent vehicles.
• If you hit another vehicle, please call DPS and/or MPD to report the incident immediately.
• Call DPS or MPD if you see any suspicious activity.

Disclaimer

Augsburg University believes that physical descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual. When physical descriptors are included in communication to the Augsburg community, it is done so because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of the incident. Augsburg University uses perceived race and gender descriptors that are provided about a suspect only when additional characteristics (beyond clothing) are also available. Such descriptors are used in an attempt to provide the campus community with important information. However, the University recognizes that race and gender are personal identity attributes that cannot always be accurately perceived by others, and that any reported information may not be accurate.

Augsburg University is moving classes to a remote format on Monday, March 25, 2024 and most operations will be virtual due to weather conditions.

Students, please watch for communications from your instructors with more specific information or consult your course Moodle site for more details. Essential employees are advised to contact their supervisors with any questions. Examples of essential services may include security, facilities, residential, and food service operations. 

For information on specific campus facilities, services and events, see Campus Facilities, Services, and Events Weather Updates.

 In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 Augsburg University Department of Public Safety is giving notice of a concerning incident that occurred in Mortensen Hall on the Minneapolis campus.

REPORTED OFFENSE:  Motor Vehicle Theft

On January 28, 2024 at approximately 10:00 a.m. the Augsburg the Department of Public Safety was notified of a vehicle that was stolen from Lot B.  The vehicle owner stated they parked their vehicle in Lot B around 7:30 p.m. on January 27, and when they returned to their vehicle the morning of January 28 their vehicle was missing.  The victim’s vehicle was described as a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe with Minnesota license plate number 9RH-305.  The stolen vehicle was reported to the Minneapolis Police.

The vehicle that was reported as stolen is part of the group of vehicles with missing software that allow the vehicle to be started without using the vehicle’s key.  Affected vehicles include 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantras, 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonatas, 2020-2021 Hyundai Venues.  If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle, it is recommended that you contact a dealership to determine if any security updates are available for your vehicle.

STATUS:  Augsburg Public Safety and the Minneapolis Police (MPD) are currently investigating this incident. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is urged to contact MPD or Augsburg DPS at 612-330-1717.

Please report any and all concerns that may impact our campus community. If You See Something – Say Something (x1717). We also encourage you to utilize the resources available on our website: www.augsburg.edu/dps and in the CampusShield safety app (available for free download on Google Play and iTunes app store).

SAFETY TIPS: These are general safety tips and may not be related to this specific incident.

1. Hyundai and Kia owners should call the respective number below, or check with a local dealership to see if their vehicle is eligible for a software update (Hyundai – 800-633-5151; Kia – 800-333-4542)
2. Hyundai and Kia owners are encouraged to get a steering wheel lock, and may be eligible to receive a free one from area Police Departments
3. Be aware of your surroundings
4. Report any suspicious activity to DPS as soon as safely possible

Augsburg University believes that physical descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual.  When physical descriptors are included in communication to the Augsburg community, it is done so because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of the incident.  Augsburg University uses perceived race and gender descriptors that are provided about a suspect only when additional characteristics (beyond clothing) are also available.  Such descriptors are used in an attempt to provide the campus community with important information.  However, the University recognizes that race and gender are personal identity attributes that cannot always be accurately perceived by others, and that any reported information may not be accurate.

At 1:00 p.m. on January 11, the University of Minnesota announced that the Chippewa County Sheriff had located the suspect in the threat to the Twin Cities campus and had him contained. With this news, the U issued an all-clear message and returned to normal campus operations. Augsburg operations are also returning to normal at this time. Employees who moved to remote work on January 11 should coordinate with supervisors and colleagues about when to return to their normal work site.

Hello Auggies,

DPS hopes everyone is having a stress free and successful finals week. We just wanted to announce the parking plans for both winter break and spring semester. If you have already bought a full year permit, you can disregard this message as it doesn’t apply to you.

Winter Break

On December 16, all fall semester passes will expire. If you plan on staying over winter break, you can purchase a winter break permit for $50 through the Inside Augsburg Parking Services tab on December 16. Even first-year resident students will be able to purchase this permit for winter break. The pass will expire on January 15, 2024. 

Spring Semester

Next week Monday (December 18), passes for the Spring 2024 semester will go on sale. Those can be purchased through the Augsburg Parking Services tab. Please note: this will be the first semester that we will no longer be using physical hang tags.

Underground Passes

If you previously purchased a Fall Underground pass, expect an email from DPS asking if you’d like to re-up for Spring Semester. If you were put on the waiting list, you’ll also be receiving an email about how to purchase an underground pass. If we have any additional passes left over in either underground garages, we will announce via email.

Vehicle Registration

The entire DPS team wants to thank everyone for their cooperation and feedback with our new virtual permit system. As always, please make sure that you accurately register your vehicle(s). Even if you’re off by one number or letter, you can be ticketed by the cameras. Additionally, we’d like to remind everyone that if you drive more than one vehicle or get a new license plate, you MUST register these vehicles to your parking account. The LPRs (License Plate Reader cameras) won’t recognize another vehicle you drive if you haven’t registered it, regardless of whether you bought a permit or not.

Any questions, please feel free to email parking@augsburg.edu.

On Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11, in cooperation with the Minneapolis Police Department, technicians from Hyundai will be on site in the parking lot of the old K-Mart building at 10 W Lake St. to provide free security upgrades for Hyundai vehicles that have been affected by an issue that leaves them vulnerable to theft.

The event will run each day from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Hyundai drivers are asked to arrive in their vehicles on the Blaisdell Ave. S side of the parking lot. A greeter will meet drivers to obtain vehicle information. During the upgrade, drivers can wait in a heated tent with seating and bathroom facilities. Once drivers meet with the greeter, the entire process should take approximately 30 minutes.

This event is open to all Hyundai drivers with affected vehicles. No paperwork or appointment is necessary.

The following models are eligible for the free upgrade:

Accent – 2018-2022

Elantra – 2011-2022

Elantra GT – 2013-2020

Genesis Coupe – 2013 – 2014

Kona – 2018 – 2022

Palisade – 2020 – 2021

Santa Fe – 2013 – 2022

Santa Fe Sport – 2013 – 2018

Santa Fe XL – 2019

Sonata – 2011 – 2019

Tucson – 2011 – 2022

Veloster – 2012 – 2017, 2019 – 2021

Venue – 2020 – 2021

Hyundai vehicles that are ineligible for a security upgrade will receive a free anti-theft steering-wheel lock.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Sexual Assault Data Report are now available on the Department of Public Safety website at by visiting the Crime Alerts and Logs page, or by clicking on the following link; 2023 Annual Security Report.

The website and report contain information regarding campus security and personal safety topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, public safety law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus.  They also contain information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned and controlled by Augsburg University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

If you would like to receive a physical copy of the combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (612) 330-1717 or email a request to publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

This information is required by law and is provided by the Augsburg University Department of Public Safety.

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 Augsburg University Department of Public Safety is giving notice of the following recent incidents which are part of an ongoing issue of auto theft and attempted auto theft on the Minneapolis campus.

REPORTED OFFENSE: Auto Theft and Attempted Auto Theft

On June 6/29/23 at about 3:15 AM an officer with Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety was patrolling in Lot L when they noticed broken glass and a piece of plastic on the pavement. The officer was able to watch security camera footage of what appeared to be the theft of a motor vehicle that had been parked in that lot. This incident happened at about 12:40 PM on 6/28/23 but it has not yet been reported to the Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Public Safety received a report that an Augsburg owned transport van was missing from Lot L. Preliminary information received is that the van was parked in the lot the previous day, 6/25/23, but it was currently unaccounted for and thought to have been stolen.

At about 1:38 PM on 6/29/23 an alert person called to report a group of people broke the window out of a KIa that was parked Lot L. After at least one person entered that vehicle the car alarm went off and the group fled the area heading towards 25th Ave. Several DPS officers responded but were unable to locate the people involved.

STATUS: Augsburg Public Safety is cooperating with the MPD investigation of these incidents. Anyone who may have relevant information is urged to contact MPD or Augsburg Public Safety at 612-330-1717. Please report any and all concerns that may impact our campus community. If You See Something – Say Something (x1717). We also encourage you to utilize the resources available on our website: www.augsburg.edu/dps and in the CampusShield safety app (available for free download on Google Play and iTunes app store).

SAFETY TIPS:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Hyundai and Kia owners should consider the use of steering wheel locks or other anti-theft devices.
• Report any suspicious or dangerous activity immediately to Augsburg Public Safety or MPD

Augsburg University believes that physical descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual. When physical descriptors are included in communication to the Augsburg community, it is done so because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of the incident. Augsburg University uses perceived race and gender descriptors that are provided about a suspect only when additional characteristics (beyond clothing) are also available. Such descriptors are used in an attempt to provide the campus community with important information. However, the University recognizes that race and gender are personal identity attributes that cannot always be accurately perceived by others, and that any reported information may not be accurate.

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 Augsburg University Department of Public Safety is giving notice of a concerning incident that occurred on the Minneapolis campus.

REPORTED OFFENSE:  Assault and Reckless Driving

At about 5:30 PM on 4-6-23, Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety received several reports that a blue sedan was driving through campus in an extremely reckless manner. The conduct included driving onto the sidewalk and nearly hitting people.  Augsburg Public Safety Officers were quickly able to locate the vehicle involved and followed it off campus while alerting the Minneapolis Police Department as to the direction of travel. At least one additional vehicle, a silver SUV, was also seen speeding through campus but left when followed by Department of Public Safety officers. While law enforcement officers responded, it is unknown if the vehicles were located. Based on witness accounts at least one vehicle appeared to intentionally drive at a pedestrian and the occupants were wearing black ski masks.

STATUS:  Augsburg Public Safety and the Minneapolis Police (MPD) are currently investigating this incident. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is urged to contact MPD or Augsburg DPS at 612-330-1717.

We are grateful to those who called to report this situation in such a timely manner.

Please report any and all concerns that may impact our campus community. If You See Something – Say Something (x1717). We also encourage you to utilize the resources available on our website: www.augsburg.edu/dps and in the CampusShield safety app (available for free download on Google Play and iTunes app store).

SAFETY TIPS: These are general safety tips and may not be related to this specific incident.

1. Pay attention to your surroundings.
2. Report any suspicious or hazardous activity to Augsburg Dispatch at 612-330-1717.
3. Call 911 for emergencies.

Augsburg University believes that physical descriptors alone are not a valid reason to profile or cast suspicion on any individual.  When physical descriptors are included in communication to the Augsburg community, it is done so because they may reasonably assist in identifying the perpetrator of the incident.  Augsburg University uses perceived race and gender descriptors that are provided about a suspect only when additional characteristics (beyond clothing) are also available.  Such descriptors are used in an attempt to provide the campus community with important information.  However, the University recognizes that race and gender are personal identity attributes that cannot always be accurately perceived by others, and that any reported information may not be accurate.