Crime Alerts

2025

Arrest Made in Suspicious Behavior Incidents

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a Rochester resident in connection with recent forcible touching incidents on the RIT campus.  The suspect has been charged with a misdemeanor count of forcible touching. He is not an RIT student. 

Thanks to the vigilance of RIT students who promptly reported suspicious behavior, and the efforts of RIT Public Safety, the suspect was identified and apprehended. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect allegedly approached several male students on campus walkways late at night over the past two weeks, asking personal questions and inappropriately touching some individuals.

RIT Public Safety increased patrols during this time and successfully located the suspect. A bear costume, reportedly worn by the individual during some of the incidents, was recovered as part of the investigation. 
More details are available in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office press release. RIT wants to thank the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their swift investigation. 

Safety Reminder
RIT Public Safety urges all members of the campus community to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. The department remains committed to deploying all necessary resources to ensure campus safety.

Safety Recommendations
• Avoid walking alone at night—use the RIT Public Safety Escort Service
• Stay in well-lit areas and remain alert
• Report suspicious behavior immediately:
• Voice: 585-475-3333
• Text: 585-205-8333
• Emergency: 911
• If you feel unsafe, seek shelter in a public building and contact Public Safety

RIT Public Safety Contact Information
• Emergency: 585-475-3333
• Text: 585-205-8333
• TigerSafe App

The RIT Public Safety Department is investigating a theft from a secured living space which was reported on October 20, 2025, in Fredericka Douglas Sprague Perry Hall. The theft occurred on Monday October 20, 2025, between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm. An unknown person(s) reportedly stole personal items from a secured residence hall room. It is unknown how an unknown person(s) accessed the reported secured room Added security patrols will be in place until further notice. The investigation is in progress.

This crime alert serves as an important reminder to always lock your residence and first floor windows to minimize opportunities for crime to occur. Immediately report suspicious persons/behavior to the Public Safety Department, and always close propped-open outer doors to bolster residential safety.

Please contact the Public Safety Department if you have any information regarding this crime.

RIT Public Safety Department

Emergency: 585-475-3333

Text: 585-205-8333

This is a reminder that the RIT community needs to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night, as RIT Public Safety and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are actively investigating recent reports of incidents involving a suspicious individual on campus.

Four incidents have occurred since October 19 in which males were approached late at night on campus walkways by an unknown male, who asked personal questions. The unknown male also inappropriately touched some of the men. 

In one incident, the assailant was described as approximately 5’9” tall, weighing 140 pounds wearing a blue hoodie and khaki pants. In three of the other incidents, the suspect was wearing a bear costume.

These incidents were reported to Public Safety over the past few days. Public Safety has deployed additional resources in response to these incidents.

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding these incidents. 
RIT Public Safety Department 
Emergency: 585-475-3333 
Text: 585-205-8333 
TigerSafe 

Safety Recommendations 
• Avoid walking alone at night—use the RIT Public Safety Escort Service 
• Stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings 
• Report suspicious behavior immediately to RIT Public Safety 585-475-3333 Voice - 585-205-8333 Text or 911 
• If you feel unsafe, seek shelter in a public building and contact Public Safety immediately 

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle from the 175 Jefferson Road East Parking Lot. On Friday 09-05-25 a student reported that their locked 2017 White Hyundai Sonata was stolen . CCTV footage revealed that a red SUV arrived in the parking lot on 09-05-25 at 1:59 am and a passenger exited the SUV at 2:03 am. The passenger then manipulated the driver’s side door of the Hyundai Sonata and was able to enter the vehicle. The suspect departed the parking lot at 2:04 am.  Added security patrols of the parking lot will be conducted as a result of this theft.

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

2024

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle from E Lot located in the center of campus. A delivery driver reported that their 2019 Nissan Sentra was stolen from E Lot on Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10:34 pm. The vehicle was unlocked and running at the time of the theft.  Added security patrols of the parking lot will be conducted as a result of this theft.

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

 

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle from D Lot located in the center of campus. An individual reported that their 2018 Hyundai Sonata was stolen from D Lot on Monday September 16, 2024 at 9:15 pm. The vehicle was locked at the time of the theft and it is unknown how entry was made at this time. Vehicle thefts, especially from Kia and Hyundai models, are still occurring in Monroe County. Some Kia and Hyundai SUV's are missing an essential anti-theft device, making them an easy target for car thieves. The vehicles lack an electronic security device that immobilizes their engines, preventing the car from being started without the correct key. Kia’s made between 2010 and 2022 and Hyundai’s made between 2015 and 2022 do not have engine immobilizers. As a result, the thieves typically break a window and start the vehicle with very simple tools. To prevent the theft of these vehicles, owners can contact the car dealer to explore the possibility of a manufacturer's security fix kit. Another low-cost option is to purchase a steering wheel lock that is highly visible when the vehicle is parked. 

Added security patrols of the parking lot will be conducted as a result of this theft.

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

2023

 

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are investigating the attempted theft of a motor vehicle from the RIT campus. On Sunday November 05, 2023 at 3:15 pm, an individual contacted the RIT Public Safety Department when they observed two suspicious males break the rear passenger side window of a 2019 Kia Forte parked in B Lot. Two Public Safety Officers responded to the area and the two suspicious males fled the scene in a Hyundai SUV later learned to have been stolen from a different location. Further investigation revealed that the Kia Forte parked in B Lot had extensive steering column damage.

Vehicle thefts, especially from Kia and Hyundai models, are still occurring in Monroe County. Some Kia and Hyundai SUV's are missing an essential anti-theft device, making them an easy target for car thieves. The vehicles lack an electronic security device that immobilizes their engines, preventing the car from being started without the correct key. Kia’s made between 2010 and 2022 and Hyundai’s made between 2015 and 2022 don't have engine immobilizers. As a result, the thieves typically break a window and start the vehicle with very simple tools.

To prevent the theft of these vehicles, owners can contact the car dealer to explore the possibility of a manufacturer's security software update. Another low-cost option is to purchase a steering wheel lock that is highly visible when the vehicle is parked.

The Public Safety Department is paying particular attention to residential parking lots and other areas where vehicles may be parked for longer periods. We are also increasing security efforts to identify the responsible individual(s).

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or Monroe County Sheriff's Office if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Rochester Police Department are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle from the RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship located at 40 Franklin Street in the City of Rochester. An individual reported that their 2020 Hyundai Elantra was stolen from 40 Franklin Street on Tuesday September 26, 2023 at 12:10 pm. The vehicle was locked, but access was achieved by breaking a window.

Vehicle thefts, especially from Kia and Hyundai models, are still occurring frequently. Some Kia and Hyundai SUV's are missing an essential anti-theft device, making them an easy target for car thieves. The vehicles lack an electronic security device that immobilizes their engines, preventing the car from being started without the correct key. Kia’s made between 2010 and 2022 and Hyundai’s made between 2015 and 2022 do not have engine immobilizers. As a result, the thieves typically break a window and start the vehicle with very simple tools.

To prevent the theft of these vehicles, owners can contact the car dealer to explore the possibility of a manufacturer's security fix kit. Another low-cost option is to purchase a steering wheel lock that is highly visible when the vehicle is parked. The RIT Public Safety Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks and any Hyundai and Kia owners can request one by e-mailing cscps@rit.edu.

Added security patrols of the parking lot will be conducted as a result of this theft.

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or the Rochester Police Department if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

On Sunday August 6, 2023 Public Safety received a report of stolen money from an unsecured residence hall room located in Peterson Hall. An unknown person(s) reportedly stole $300.00 in cash from the room. The theft occurred during a three week timeframe prior to the reporting date. This crime alert serves as an important reminder to always lock your residence and first floor windows to minimize opportunities for crime to occur. Immediately report suspicious persons/behavior to the Public Safety Department and always close propped open outer doors to bolster residential safety.

Please contact the Department of Public Safety if you have any information regarding this crime.

Emergency: 585-475-3333

Text: 585-205-8333

Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

TigerSafe

RIT’s campus and community benefit from an important collection of art integrated into the design of our campus.  Featuring renowned mid-twentieth century artists like Henry Moore, Josep Albers, Harry Bertoia, Jose de Rivera, Sheila Hicks and Albert Paley, these pieces comprise a nationally significant body of art which can be freely viewed and enjoyed by the campus community and any visitor to RIT.

Between 12-14-2022 and 1-3-2023 an unknown individual tagged the Henry Moore Three Piece Reclining Figure No. 1 sculpture with graffiti. The sculpture, located in the Eastman Kodak Quad south of Frank E. Gannett Hall, was created by renowned artist Henry Moore in 1962. Moore (1898-1986) is an internationally celebrated sculptor known for his semi-abstract monumental bronzes, which can be seen all over the world.

Public Safety is currently investigating this incident and asks anyone with information to contact them immediately.

RIT has seen a recent uptick in graffiti in the residence halls, academic buildings, and outdoor art. This behavior is not reflective of our values as a community and is a violation of university policy. Damage to university property of any kind is not tolerated. If you observe graffiti in progress, contact Public Safety immediately.

RIT Public Safety Department

Emergency: 585-475-3333

Text: 585-205-8333

Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

 

2022

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle from the RIT campus. An individual reported that their 2019 Kia Forte was stolen from 175 Jefferson Road on Saturday, Dec. 31st, at 3:39 AM. The vehicle was locked, but access was achieved by breaking a window.

Vehicle thefts, especially from Kia and Hyundai models, are rising. Some Kia and Hyundai SUV's are missing an essential anti-theft device, making them an easy target for car thieves. The vehicles lack an electronic security device that immobilizes their engines, preventing the car from being started without the correct key. Kia’s made between 2010 and 2022 and Hyundai’s made between 2015 and 2022 don't have engine immobilizers. As a result, the thieves typically break a window and start the vehicle with very simple tools.

To prevent the theft of these vehicles, owners can contact the car dealer to explore the possibility of a manufacturer's security fix kit. Another low-cost option is to purchase a steering wheel lock that is highly visible when the vehicle is parked.

The Public Safety Department is paying particular attention to residential parking lots and other areas where vehicles may be parked for longer periods. We are also increasing security efforts to identify the responsible individual(s).

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or Monroe County Sheriff's Office if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

Public Safety Crime Alert - Vehicle Theft

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle from the RIT campus. An individual reported that their 2020 Kia Forte was stolen from the 326 University Commons parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 11, between 2:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. The vehicle was locked, and there was no access to a spare key at the time of the theft.

Additionally, a separate individual reported that the rear passenger side window of their 2012 Kia Optima was broken while parked in the Perkins Green parking lot between Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11.

Vehicle thefts, especially from Kia and Hyundai models, are rising. Some Kia and Hyundai SUV's are missing an essential anti-theft device, making them an easy target for car thieves. The vehicles lack an electronic security device that immobilizes their engines, preventing the car from being started without the correct key. Kias made between 2010 and 2022 and Hyundais made between 2015 and 2022 don't have engine immobilizers. As a result, the thieves typically break a window and start the vehicle with very simple tools.

To prevent the theft of these vehicles, owners can contact the car dealer to explore the possibility of a manufacturer's security fix kit. Another low-cost option is to purchase a steering wheel lock that is highly visible when the vehicle is parked.

The Public Safety Department is paying particular attention to residential parking lots and other areas where vehicles may be parked for longer periods. We are also increasing security efforts to identify the responsible individual(s).

Please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or Monroe County Sheriff's Office if you have any information regarding this theft.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Contact the RIT Public Safety Department if you observe anything suspicious or hear a car alarm in our parking lots.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

 

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office continue investigating the theft of Catalytic Converters from vehicles parked on campus. 

The most recent catalytic converter thefts were from three 2007 Honda CRV's parked in B-Lot on Monday, Nov. 7 at 2:45 a.m; one 2005 Kia Sportage parked in S Lot on Saturday, Nov. 12 between 3:00 p.m. and 4:20 p.m.; two 2007 Honda Accords parked in University Commons between Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 12:12 p.m. Thieves also targeted  a 2006 Hyundai Azera parked in University Commons between Sunday, Nov. 13 at 11:30 p.m. and Monday, Nov 14 at 4:30 p.m.

The most recent thefts were inconsistent with those investigated earlier this semester. This time thieves targeted sedans as well as SUV's.

Catalytic Converter thefts have been prevalent in the Monroe County area, especially the Town of Henrietta, including Park Point, The Province, and Apex apartment complexes. Catalytic Converters are attached to the exhaust system of your vehicle. They contain expensive precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium, which can easily be extracted and "scrapped" for a quick profit. Catalytic Converters can only be stolen by climbing under a vehicle and cutting them off with a reciprocating saw or similar type of tool. Thefts of Catalytic Converters increase each time the cost of scrap metal, particularly platinum, increases. 

RIT Public Safety parking lot camera footage shows the suspect is a slender male wearing a yellow hooded jacket. The suspect was driving a grey VW Jetta with damage to the vehicle's passenger side, black rims, sunroof, no front license plate and a white rear license plate.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office produced this Facebook video in an attempt to educate the community and provide tips to keep your catalytic converter from being stolen.

The Public Safety Department is paying special attention to residential parking lots and other areas where vehicles may be parked for longer periods of time. We are also increasing security efforts to identify the responsible individual(s).

If you have any information regarding these thefts, please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Public Safety has reported all of these incidents to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to always lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Don't park in between or next to large trucks that would make your vehicle more vulnerable to this type of crime. Immediately report suspicious persons/behavior to the Public Safety Department.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

On Tuesday August 2, 2022, Public Safety received a report of stolen property from an unsecured residence hall room in Mark Ellingson Hall. The theft occurred on Sunday August 3, 2022 in between 8:00 am and 12:15 pm. An unknown person reportedly stole a Samsung Galaxy 9+ cell phone and attempted to access the persons Google accounts. This crime alert serves as an important reminder to always lock your residence and first floor windows to minimize opportunities for crime to occur. Immediately report suspicious persons/behavior to the Public Safety Department and always close propped open outer doors to bolster residential safety.

Please contact the Department of Public Safety if you have any information regarding this crime.

Emergency: 585-475-3333

Text: 585-205-8333

Non-emergency: 585-475-2853

TigerSafe

On Friday, March 4th 2022. at approximately 12:14 pm, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to the APEX Apartment Complex located off campus at 380 John Street for the report of a Robbery which occurred at an undisclosed location on the property.  RIT Public Safety has been in contact with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and have been advised the investigation is ongoing and there is no current threat to the RIT Community or the residents of APEX.

Public Safety will continue to monitor the investigation and provide any updates if necessary.

The RIT Public Safety Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s office are investigating the recent theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle adjacent to the RIT campus. 

As reported around this time of year in 2021, catalytic converter thefts have been prevalent in the Monroe County area, especially the Town of Henrietta, including Park Point, The Province and Apex apartment complexes. Catalytic Converters are attached to the exhaust system of your vehicle and contain expensive precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium which can easily be extracted and “scrapped” for a quick profit. Catalytic converters can only be stolen by climbing under a vehicle and cutting them off with a reciprocating saw or similar type of tool. Thefts of catalytic converters increase each time the cost of scrap metal, particularly platinum, increases. 

Catalytic converter thieves generally target high profile vehicles like trucks, vans or SUV’s because the higher ground clearance allows for easier access underneath the vehicle. However, sports cars and sedans are not immune to converter theft.

The Public Safety Department is paying special attention to residential parking lots and other parking lots where vehicles may be parked for longer periods of time without being driven.

If anyone has any information regarding these thefts, please contact the RIT Public Safety Department or Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

This crime alert also serves as an important reminder to always lock your vehicle and park in well-lit areas. Don’t park in between or next to large trucks that would make your vehicle more vulnerable to this type of crime. Immediately report suspicious persons/behavior to the Public Safety Department.

Please contact the Department of Public Safety if you have any information regarding this crime.

RIT Public Safety Department
Emergency: 585-475-3333
Text: 585-205-8333
Non-emergency: 585-475-2853