ZipTip Anonymous Crime Reporting Phone

  • Are you aware of a crime that has been committed?
  • Do you know of information that could be useful to the University of Akron Police Department?
  • Do you have a concern about a fellow student?
  • Do you want to remain anonymous but still think something should be done?

To enhance security on campus and in the campus community, the University of Akron Police Department (暗黑爆料PD) and the Akron Police Department (APD) have launched ZipTip, an anonymous crime tip reporting service. This is not an emergency service. If you have an emergency, dial 911 from a campus phone to reach 暗黑爆料PD or call 330-972-2911.

ZipTip is free, although standard text messaging rates may apply, based on your cell phone service carrier.

How to ZipTip

  • Text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and begin the message with the keyword ZIPTIP

OR

  • - allows unlimited characters and the ability to attach images from Facebook or other social media sites

What to ZipTip

  • Plans for a crime ... you overhear someone talking about doing something illegal
  • Attempted crime ... someone tries to sell you stolen merchandise or you see someone trying to steal something
  • Drug-related incidents ... you know about someone selling drugs on campus or buying alcohol for a minor
  • Potentially unsafe conditions ... you see a light bulb burned out on a common walkway
  • Vandalism on or near campus
  • Weapons on campus
  • Aggressive panhandlers
  • Any other suspicious individuals or activity on or near campus

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my identity kept anonymous when I text a ZipTip?

Messages from cell phone numbers are sent to a secure server where the number is encrypted and assigns an alias. No one will ever know what phone number sent a text message.

Messages from cell phones are sent to a secure server where the number is encrypted and assigned an alias. The alias will be used for two-way correspondence, and the associated phone number is not known by the University or TipSoft.  You may be contacted by the police department for additional information, but the police department will only have the alias information and will not know your identity. The two-way communication permit the police the ability to gather additional details if they are necessary, but permits the tipster to remain anonymous.

How do I submit a photo?

Send a photo from your phone by including the keyword ZIPTIP in the message body.

To attach a photo to the online form, save the image as a .gif or .jpg. Fill out the and when you get to the "Upload a Photo" box, browse for the photo on your computer. Select the photo you want to include and submit the form.

I have a smartphone and I want to text a tip. Is the number the same?

Yes, the number to text is 274637.

Ziptip

“Messages from cell phones are sent to a secure server where the number is encrypted and assigned an alias.  The alias will be used for two-way correspondence, and the associated phone number is not known by the University or TipSoft.  You may be contacted by the police department for additional information, but the police department will only have the alias information and will not know your identity.   The two-way communication permit the police the ability to gather additional details if they are necessary, but permits the tipster to remain anonymous”