Personal Safety Warning (October 27, 2003)

The following 3 incidents involving students occurred late Saturday night/early Sunday morning on and near campus:

Sexual Assault (OFF-Campus) - 10/25/03 - 9:40 p.m.
Officers of the Salisbury Police Department responded to the 1100 block of South Division Street in reference to a sexual assault. The female victim advised that an unknown suspect had approached her from behind demanding money, then dragged the victim away from the roadway and assaulted her. The victim was treated and released at PRMC. The suspect is an African-American male, thin build, wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Robbery - 10/26/03 - 1 a.m.
A resident of Pocomoke Hall reported that he was walking from the University Center in the area of the Pergola near the Devilbiss lot when a group of men, age late teens to early 20s, approached him. Someone in the group demanded money and moved closer to the victim with clenched fists. The victim threw a few dollars from his pocket on the ground. The suspects picked up the money and fled the area. The student was not injured.

Attempted Purse-snatching - 10/26/03 - 1:10 a.m.
A resident of St. Martin Hall reported that while walking to the St. Martin parking lot, she passed a group of men, age late teens to early 20s, and one of them spoke to her. She heard one of them say "Go ahead" and she felt someone grab her purse. She screamed and the suspects fled. Nothing was taken and there were no injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call University Police at 410-543-6222 or use Silent Witness at www.salisbury.edu/police.

Personal Safety Tips
These personal safety tips, compiled by the University Police, apply when on campus as well as in the Salisbury area or wherever one resides. The precautions may lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim. Increasing awareness of crime prevention techniques may decrease the opportunity for a person to commit a criminal offense.

1. You are your own best protection.
2. Keep your door locked at all times. Don't unlock the door for strangers. Keep first floor windows locked.
3. Walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys, entryways and bushes where someone could be hiding. Avoid walking alone.
4. Do not walk or jog alone after dark.
5. Avoid short cuts. Walk where there are other people present.
6. Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. If a driver asks you for directions, stay far enough away so that you cannot be pulled into the car. Do not pick up strangers.
7. If you are being followed when walking, change directions, vary speed. Go to a well-lit area where there are other people. If followed by someone in a car, turn and walk in the other direction. Record the license number.
8. Park your car in a well-lit area and lock the doors.
9. If you need an escort to or from your car, call the University Police, 410-543-6222.
10. Report any suspicious activity or crimes to the University Police, located in the University Police Building, 410-543-6222.

Jim Phillips
Chief-University Police