WEEKLY LUPD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
August 31, 2026 – September 6, 2026
During the week of August 31 to September 6, 2026, the Lehigh University Police Department logged a total of 215 reported incidents. The campus climate was dominated by routine service requests, including 97 residential lockouts, alongside medical evaluations, property checks, and campus safety patrols.
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS & CRIMES
- Crimes Against Property/Person:
- Harassment: On September 5, a student at the University Center reported receiving repeated unwanted text messages from a non-affiliated party. The student was advised on options regarding pressing charges.
- Off-Campus Assault Assistance: On September 4, officers assisted Bethlehem Police with an off-campus incident on Montclair Avenue where an individual sustained a head injury after a fall and was transported to the hospital.
- Bias/Discriminatory Incidents: No bias or discriminatory incidents were reported during this period.
- Fraud/Drugs/Liquor:
- Fraud and Email Scams: On September 5, a student at House 90 reported receiving a fraudulent task scam email impersonating a professor. Documentation was collected, and the student was advised to cease communication. Additionally, a false identification card was confiscated from an intoxicated student outside McConn House on September 5 following an EMS response.
- Drug Abuse Violations: Two marijuana-related incidents were documented. On August 31, five students were found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia inside a vehicle near Chi Phi. On September 4, a student was cited for smoking marijuana near the Farrington Square Parking Garage entrance. Both cases were referred for administrative review.
- Liquor Law Violations & Medical Amnesty: Officers responded to six liquor law violations involving underage possession or severe intoxication. Medical Amnesty was applied under the Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing and Safe Harbor Act during calls at Delta Upsilon on September 4 and Dravo House on September 5. Other intoxication calls at Taylor House, Theta Chi, Upper Sayre Park Road, and Carothers House resulted in EMS evaluations and hospital transports.
- Facilities & Hazards:
- Gas Odor Inspection: On September 1, Wilbur Annex and PowerHouse were briefly evacuated following a report of a gas odor. Bethlehem Fire Department evaluated the area and determined the source was sewer gas, posing no safety threat to campus.
- Fire Alarms and Appliance Issues: Fire alarms were triggered by cooking at Pi Beta Phi and Southside Commons, and by cigarette smoke at Delta Upsilon. On September 3, a washing machine at Kappa Delta produced a burning odor, leading officers to unplug the unit and submit a facility repair request.
SECURITY ALARMS & UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS
- Suspicious Activity:
- Unauthorized Solicitation: On September 1, officers identified and trespassed two unauthorized salespeople at Severs House who were soliciting students without university approval and refusing to cooperate.
- Vehicle and Recording Concerns: On September 3, a student reported an unknown individual possibly attempting to open a vehicle near Chi Phi; an area check yielded negative results. That same day, a student near Packer Avenue reported a vehicle occupant possibly recording them.
- Security Breaches & Propped Doors:
- Perimeter checks revealed an unsecured gate at Sayre Field and an unlatched door at Iacocca Hall, both of which were secured by officers.
- Security Alarms:
- LUPD responded to seven extended door prop or held alarms across campus facilities, including Brodhead House, Packard Lab, Alumni Memorial, Grace Hall, Jordan Hall, and Rauch Business Center. All doors were secured, and maintenance work orders were submitted where mechanical issues occurred.
- Three burglar alarms were checked, including a motion alarm at Building J art gallery and an accidental activation at Transportation Services caused by an employee error.
TRAFFIC STOPS & ENFORCEMENT
- Traffic Stops: Officers conducted seven traffic stops across campus and surrounding streets.
- Reasons: Driving without required headlights (3), driving the wrong way on a one-way street (1), texting while driving (1), and safe speed/stop sign violations (2).
- Actions Taken: Issued verbal warnings for headlight, texting, and stop sign infractions, and issued one police warning notice card for vehicle registration and inspection compliance.
SERVICE & LOGISTICS
- Lockouts: Handled 97 residential dorm room and campus building lockout requests throughout the week.
- Welfare Checks ("Check Person"): Conducted five welfare checks, including verifying a student locked out in a hallway at Richards House, checking a possible hazing or smoke concern at Delta Upsilon, and assisting a student involved in an off-campus civil dispute by coordinating temporary housing.
- Assistance & Medical:
- Sick Person Responses (4): Responded to calls involving medical illness, including a fainting episode at Packer Church, a student experiencing anxiety who was connected with Counseling Services and spent time with the LUPD therapy dog, an accidental medication mix-up at Trembley Park requiring hospital transport, and a medical evaluation at Drinker House.
- Injured Person Responses (7): Assisted individuals with minor injuries, including finger lacerations at Sayre Park Village A, Stoughton House, and Building C, eye irritation at Richards House, a professor who collapsed at the Business Innovation Building, a non-affiliated cyclist on the research trail, and a bee sting at EWFM Library.
- Motorist & Transport Assists: Provided courtesy rides for students following hospital discharges and completed one money escort for Stabler Arena.
TRENDS & LESSONS LEARNED
- Scam Awareness: Students should remain cautious regarding unsolicited task scams and job offers sent via email impersonating faculty members. Official university business will not request financial transactions or off-platform tasks.
- Medication Safety: Residence Life and health staff encourage students to carefully verify prescription dosages and time-of-day instructions to prevent accidental mix-ups.
- Campus Door Policy: Propping exterior or interior laboratory doors compromises campus safety. Occupants are reminded to ensure all automatic closers latch properly.