Spring Break
Stay alert, help prevent crimes
TAMARA BEST
Issue date: 1/9/08 Section: News
The recent disappearances of three people highlight the need for student safety awareness.
• Do not prop open the door to a locked campus building or residence hall
• Close curtains or blinds at night
• Always lock doors to dorm rooms or apartments
• Use solid deadbolt locks and make sure peepholes have been installed
• Bushes and shrubbery around a house or apartment door should be cut below
window height to reduce the risk of
attackers hiding
• Apartments located above the first floor are safer
• Park in well-lit and populated areas
• Never accept a ride from someone you have met recently
• Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and ability to express decisions
• Alcohol or drugs play a role in 79 percent of sexual assault incidents on college
campuses
- Information provided by the University Police Department's Web site
Authorities continue to search for Cayle Bywater, 29, a University graduate student, whose family said Monday in a news conference she may have been kidnapped. Bywater was last seen the afternoon of Dec. 29 in Memorial Park.
The body of Meredith Emerson, a 24-year-old University alumna, was found Monday evening, and the whereabouts of Justin Gaines, a Gainesville State College student reported missing in early November, remain unknown.
Authorities believe Emerson was kidnapped in Vogel State Park. Gaines was last seen at Wild Bill's bar in suburban Atlanta.
The University Office of Security lists three variables affecting crime on campus: ability, desire and opportunity.
"Being alert when you are out is important and although it is good to travel in numbers, that sometimes gives a false sense of security because you can get separated," said Larry Gourdine, relationship and sexual violence prevention coordinator at the Office of Violence and Prevention.
SAFETY TIPS TO LIVE BY
• Doors should be made of metal or wood• Do not prop open the door to a locked campus building or residence hall
• Close curtains or blinds at night
• Always lock doors to dorm rooms or apartments
• Use solid deadbolt locks and make sure peepholes have been installed
• Bushes and shrubbery around a house or apartment door should be cut below
window height to reduce the risk of
attackers hiding
• Apartments located above the first floor are safer
• Park in well-lit and populated areas
• Never accept a ride from someone you have met recently
• Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and ability to express decisions
• Alcohol or drugs play a role in 79 percent of sexual assault incidents on college
campuses
- Information provided by the University Police Department's Web site
Authorities continue to search for Cayle Bywater, 29, a University graduate student, whose family said Monday in a news conference she may have been kidnapped. Bywater was last seen the afternoon of Dec. 29 in Memorial Park.
The body of Meredith Emerson, a 24-year-old University alumna, was found Monday evening, and the whereabouts of Justin Gaines, a Gainesville State College student reported missing in early November, remain unknown.
Authorities believe Emerson was kidnapped in Vogel State Park. Gaines was last seen at Wild Bill's bar in suburban Atlanta.
The University Office of Security lists three variables affecting crime on campus: ability, desire and opportunity.
"Being alert when you are out is important and although it is good to travel in numbers, that sometimes gives a false sense of security because you can get separated," said Larry Gourdine, relationship and sexual violence prevention coordinator at the Office of Violence and Prevention.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Erika Wilson
posted 1/09/08 @ 1:28 PM EST
Thank you for writing your story I agree that there needs to be more student safety awareness.
My son is Justin Gaines and we still do not know where he is. (Continued…)
Ellene
posted 1/09/08 @ 4:46 PM EST
Erika,
I am appreciative of your courage -- in spite of your grief regarding Jason,you display amazing compassion and concern for others. Your advice is appropriate for all people, no matter the age -- we should be mindful of our surroundings, remain in groups, etc. (Continued…)
Ellene
posted 1/09/08 @ 5:30 PM EST
Erika,
Please forgive me for calling Justin an incorrect name (Jason). I sincerely regret my error. To reiterate, I applaud your strength and compassion for others at this traumatic time. (Continued…)
Erika Wilson
posted 1/11/08 @ 12:11 PM EST
Thank you for your kind words. Everyone please stay safe!
With Hope,
Erika Wilson
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