Bloomington Police Officer emphasizes the importance of car safety

Image courtesy of campusrecreation.illinoisstate.edu

Bloomington, Ill. – After a fatal car crash Sunday left a 27-year-old woman dead, Bloomington Police Officer Bryce Janssen emphasized the importance of car safety in the area.

“One of the main things we’re seeing right now is reckless driving,” Janssen said. “I would like to encourage everyone to practice safe driving behavior. Take extra time to get to your destination and put the phones down.”

Janssen also highlighted a rise in vehicle burglaries and thefts in recent weeks. He pointed out that students frequently leave their cars unlocked in the Fitness Center parking lot, with valuables left in plain sight. Some incidents have involved firearms being left in vehicles along with other valuables.

“Another concern we’ve been facing is that people have been leaving firearms in their vehicles, and that can lead to a weapon in the wrong hands,” Janssen said. 

Janssen, along with officers from Bloomington and Normal, urged students to lock their vehicles, especially when parking overnight. He also encouraged students to use the BPD’s Tip411 program, a text-to-tip service that allows the public to anonymously submit crime tips 24/7. To send a tip, text “BPDTIPS” followed by a space and the message to 847411. The BPD cannot identify the sender but may respond anonymously.

Officers invite students to stop by the police station with any questions or concerns, especially those interested in law enforcement careers. For more information about the Bloomington Police Department, visit bloomingtonil.gov/departments/police.