I am sharing this message from campus Chief of Police that was forwarded to me by a reader.

August 13, 2009 11:41 am

From: Chief of Police

To: All Faculty, Students & Staff

I write to tell you about 2 incidents that occurred on the BYU campus this summer that I fear may encourage copy-cat crimes on other campuses including our own.

On July 25 around 8:00pm a 25-year-old BYU student was walking near Harold B. Lee Library on BYU campus when a man rode up on a bicycle, groped her breasts, and then rode away. The woman did not report the incident until August 7. Three days later, on August 10, a similar incident was reported by a 20-year-old female visitor. In total, at least four breasts have been groped.

As of yet, no similar incidents have been reported on our campus, but the potential is certainly there. I urge all female students to be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you need a ride when the regular shuttle is not running, or if you want a security officer to accompany you to your parking lot or garage, please call 433-9355 for a security escort.  Finally, if you notice something or someone who seems suspicious, please call the Police right away at 435-4500.

In the meantime, if you see a suspicious man on a bicycle, take precautionary measures. If you cannot easily distance yourself, be ready with a personal protection device such as pepper spray in the event that he attempts to grab you. To be proactive, consider spraying any male bicyclist who comes within a 10 ft radius of your breasts.  In addition, I urge you all to take measures to protect yourself by wearing protective undergarments made of durable material such as leather.

Be Safe,

Chief of Police