Berquam: Pay attention to safety

Dean of Students Lori Berquam is urging students to pay close attention to personal safety, especially when downtown in the vicinity of the 400-600 blocks of North Frances Street, the 500 block of Wisconsin Avenue and the 400 block of West Gorham Street in downtown Madison.

From Feb. 9-14, several crimes have been reported to the Madison Police Department in those two areas, including an alleged sexual assault, a burglary and a strong-armed robbery.

The attacks are not necessarily connected, and there is no information to suggest that UW–Madison students are being targeted. However, Berquam is encouraging students to use extra caution in those areas and the streets in between, and follow the guidelines below. They include:

• Carry a cell phone and dial 911 for help.
• Walk with a friend whenever possible.
• Lock your doors at all times, even if you are awake.
• If you live in University Housing, never let anyone you don’t know into your building.
• If you intend to consume alcohol, do so in moderation so as to not put yourself in a position of increased risk.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime immediately, starting with your location. If police are contacted within the first five minutes, they have a better chance of finding a suspect.
• Take advantage of UW–Madison SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus, even during summer months. Call (608) 262-5000 for detailed information.
• Keep your head up. Do not look down or away. Make brief eye contact with all people you meet.
• Use public walkways and avoid isolated shortcuts where you have limited escape routes.
• Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.). Avoid or keep a distance from these areas whenever possible.
• Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street. Head for a well-populated and well-lit area at night.

For more information, call (608) 264-COPS or the Offices of the Dean of Students at (608) 263-5700.