Tag: UCLA Police Department

WESTWOOD—On July 8, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced that Jeffrey Ying, 39, of Fremont, near San Francisco Bay, was sentenced to 366 days of home confinement for stealing rare copies of historical Chinese manuscripts from the University of California, Los Angeles library. The value of the manuscripts is $216,000.

Ying was arrested in August 2025. He pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of theft of a major artwork for stealing a manuscript that was made in the 17th century during China’s Qing dynasty.

In December 2024, he borrowed rare manuscripts from the library, and days later returned a copy he made instead of the original. Each time, Ying would also travel to China several days later.  During this period, he used the name Austin Chen, Jason Wang and Alan Fujimori.

In 2025, university librarians noticed rare manuscripts were missing.  Their search revealed that the texts had been reserved by Alan Fujimori, due to their value, the texts were not included in those placed in regular circulation and were checked out by him.

An investigation by the UCLA Police Department commenced where authorities searched Ying’s hotel room in Brentwood, and discovered asset tags, pre-made labels used by libraries for inventory and checkout. They also found blank manuscripts and paperwork that resembled the books Ying checked out of the library.

After Ying was arrested, he was in possession of an ID bearing the name Austin Chen, along with two library cards, one bearing that name and the other bearing the name Jason Wang. The FBI’s Art Crime Team also conducted an investigation, and no further information has been released to the public.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WESTWOOD—On Friday, September 26, the UCLA Police Department reported on their Facebook page the importance of the public securing their personal items as property thefts are the most common crimes they investigate.

Scooter thefts can happen fast, and individuals are being warned to take steps to protect their items. Keep a scooter secure with these tips:

-Always lock your scooter with a U-lock through the frame.

-Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, preferably near security cameras. Or keep your scooter inside!

-Take a photo of your scooter + serial number.

-Consider keeping an AirTag on your scooter or bike.

If anyone witnesses suspicious activity they should report it to the UCLA PD immediately. on the non-emergency line at (310) 825-1491.

 

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD—On December 17, the UCLA Police Department indicated it is still investigating a cold case involving the disappearance of Michael Negrete. On December 10, 1999, UCLA student Michael Negrete was last seen in his dorm, Dykstra Hall.

The 18-year-old music student’s sudden disappearance sparked a massive search by UCLA PD, LASD, and the FBI. This month, UCLA PD sat down with the Daily Bruin to share updates on the investigation and efforts to find Michael. He was a freshman at the school on a scholarship studying music.

The UCLA PD spoke with the Daily Bruin where they revealed he performed at a concert with his band fever on December 9, 1999. He was last seen congratulating a friend on his victory playing an online game around 4 a.m. and was returning to his dorm. He hasn’t been seen since, but his wallet, shoes, keys and other belongings were still at his dorm.

The Nightly Bruin a podcast with hosts Olivia Miller, Jina Bae and Mia Hernandez spoke to Jeff Chobanian, the acting captain of the UCPD, William Hodgman, the director of special investigations about the case.

It was reported that a Caucasian male around 35 was seen hovering around the dorm during the time Michael was last seen, but it was not further pursued by authorities. His family paid $100,000 to hire two private investigators to try to track down what happened to Michael. Dogs tracked Michael’s scent to a bus stop at Sunset and Bellagio, but Michael was not found, despite authorities interviews a slew of bus drivers.

Anyone with details on the whereabouts of Michael Negrete or the case is asked to call the UCLA PD at (323) 890-5500.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—The UCLA Police Department reported on Tuesday, November 5, that in the past month, they have received over 20 reports of unknown suspect(s) removing e-scooters and e-bicycles from on and around the main UCLA campus and University Apartments North.

Authorities have made six arrests and continue to investigate open cases with 0851(a)VC – Vehicle Theft during this same time frame but are continuing to investigate. There are no details on additional suspects in the case.

Between October 4 and November 4, the UCPD received over 20 reports of unknown suspect(s) removing e-scooters and e-bicycles from on and around the main UCLA campus (Wooden Center, Kaplan, Math Sciences/Boelter, CHS, Life Sciences) as well as in University Apartments North (UAN – Weyburn Terrace/Southwest Campus Apartments).

The victims are mainly UCLA students and staff.

The UCLA Police Department would like to remind the campus community to:

• Dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• For non-emergencies, program the UCLA PD 24-hour phone number into your cell phone – 310-825-1491.
• Read more about UCLA’s Electric Scooter Guidelines at https://transportation.ucla.edu/getting-to ucla/micromobility
• Read more about UCLA’s Bicycle Safety, Regulations and Resources at https://transportation.ucla.edu/getting-to-ucla/bike/ucla-bike-safety-regulations-and-resources
• Lock your property in well-lit, busy areas, as thieves prefer stealing e-mobility devices from isolated areas
• Many thefts can be prevented by using an adequate lock and properly securing the bicycle/scooter to an approved parking facility such as a bicycle rack. It is best to lock the frame and wheels by using a U-Lock combined with a six-foot cable or chain.
• Document your e-mobility device including its make/model, serial number, color, any unique or identifying features, along with a photo of it. Consider mounting a GPS tracker on your device.
• Report any suspicious activity, specifically near bicycle racks, to the police.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 16, the UCLA Police Department will host its Pancakes with Police event. The event is free to the public and allows the UCLA community to have breakfast with officers from 8 am. to 11 a.m.

Join for free pancakes and coffee while meeting officers and enjoy interactive displays, photo opportunities, and station tours.

To attend visit the UCLA PD located at 601 Westwood Plaza (link is external) and BruinCards are required for entry by participants and their guests.  The event was recently held back April 2023.

By Trevor