Crimeupdate: Suspect arrested in student attack

This column, Zero in on Crime, is the first of a bi-weekly series on crime, both on Campus and on the fringes of Campus. Its aim is to keep the UCT community informed and aware of crime hotspots (both on- and off-Campus) and general crime incidents.

First up is some good news: a suspect has been arrested and charged with the recent attack on a UCT student at the public footpath leading to the bridge at Mostert's Mill on the fringe of Campus.

R1.4-m has also been set aside for increased lighting along the Safe Blue Route walk frequented by students and which stretches from Upper Campus as far as the Tugwell and Leo Marquard residences.

In terms of hotspots, there has been a spate of armed robberies on the fringes of UCT in recent weeks, particularly in the regions of Rondebosch Main, Stanley, Berg, Chapel, Anzio and Falmouth Roads. According to John Tunstall, Risk Services Manager, the sudden increase seems to have declined since, but staff and students are urged to remain vigilant in these areas.

Crimes reported on Campus during March included a drug-related offence, an incident of public indecency, instances of common assault, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage to property and trespassing.

Staff and students are urged to become more vigilant and aware. Here are some safety pointers:

• Question strangers in your building, especially those who look lost or who are loitering.
• Don't allow anyone to "tailgate" behind you. Each person is required to swipe their security card when entering an access controlled building.
• Carry your ID or staff card with you at all times.
• Lock away handbags and valuables in your desk or cupboard.
• Duplicate keys remain a problem. If you need to make duplicate keys, maintain strict control over these.
• Don't leave your office without locking it. Many thefts are perpetrated when staff neglect to lock their doors.
• Don't display your wealth. This applies to cell phones, jewellery and laptops.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Try not to walk alone, day or night.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you're likely to return.
• Don't resist robbery.

Please note that if you are working late you can phone the security offices on Upper Campus on ext 2121 or at Burnage on Middle Campus on ext 2222 for an escort to your car.

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