Very recently, two attempted robberies took place in very close proximity to West Campus, the victims being one non-student and one student.Public Safety sent an e-mail to the MATC community on November 9 informing them of these crimes and offering safety tips, taken directly from the e-mail and listed below.
Director of Public Safety Brad Hines wants to assure students and faculty alike that Public Safety is working very closely with the West Allis Police Department to investigate the attempted robberies and that the “response has been great” from the West Allis Police.
1. Whenever possible, avoid walking alone at night. Instead try to walk in groups or with a friend.
2. Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t use headphones.
3. Walk with purpose and know where you’re going before you leave.
4. Try to walk in well-lighted areas and avoid using short cuts.
5. If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction.
6. Keep your hands free of items, except for car or house keys, and keep your cell phone within easy reach.
7. If you must walk alone at night, survey your route in advance. Know where the safe zones are and where you can go for help in an emergency.
8. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the local police or Public Safety at 414-297-6200. Have these emergency numbers on speed dial in your cell phones.
In addition to these suggestions, West Allis Police Crime Prevention Lieutenant Ed Benish suggests walking with a confident stride and making eye contact with people since would-be attackers do not like to be confronted, holding purses tightly to the body with no dangle, and walking directly to your vehicle.
He urges students to be diligent in following all the given suggestions and remember that at this time of the year, it grows darker outside earlier.
Benish stresses the point that the #1 strategy to avoid being the victim of a robbery is to walk in pairs or threesomes at all times as there is safety in numbers.
Benish also sees a benefit of having a shuttle service for West Campus students if made possible by the school for school to vehicle transport.
Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to the appropriate official.
Whether it is Public Safety at 414-297-6200 or The West Allis Police Department at their non-emergency number, 414-302-8000, and 911 should be called in emergency situations.
Additional Crime Prevention Tips can be found under the Crime Prevention tab at: http://ci.west-allis.wi.us/police/police_welcome.htm, as well as information regarding the Citizens Police Academy which he encourages students to think about joining, with another ten-week program beginning in March.
