November 27, 2018

Loyola Community,

Campus Safety is writing to notify you of a burglary that occurred inside Mertz Hall on Monday, November 26, at approximately 6 p.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a suspect entered Mertz Hall without swiping in (“piggy-backed”). During the time the suspect was in the building, items were taken from a room with an unlocked door. The investigation is ongoing.

Campus Safety is working closely with the Chicago Police Department on the investigation. If anyone has information on the incident, please call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263. The Chicago Police Department also continues to investigate leads related to other recent violent incidents in the district, and any new updates will be posted to the 24th District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) and CLEARMAP websites.

Please also keep the following risk-reduction tips in mind:

• Do not allow an unknown person to follow you into a secure area. “Piggy-backing” is when an authorized person swipes their card into a space and an unauthorized person follows them in. If someone does follow you, and you believe they should not be there, immediately notify Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263 once in a safe place.
• Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you are in the room.
• If an unknown person attempts to enter your room, immediately contact Campus Safety.
• Investigative follow-up will be dependent on the amount of detail a person can recall. It is important to remember as many identifying characteristics about the offender(s) as possible. This can include the license plate of any involved vehicle, physical characteristics of the person or their clothing, any weapons used, direction of flight, etc.

Campus Safety recognizes that survivors are not at fault for any crime. Students who are seeking resources related to acts of violence can contact the Wellness Center at 773.508.2530 or visit the Community Coalition on Gender-Based Violence website. Faculty and staff in need of resources are encouraged to utilize the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

Sincerely,

Ed Mirabelli
Deputy Chief, Campus Safety