2008 Woodie Awards
Scammers, schemers and stairwell stalkers
Know who is knocking at the door
Hannah Elliott and Katie Weirather
Issue date: 8/20/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Feeling secure on campus and at home is important but college campuses are targets for many predators. In the past year, trespassers have been disguising themselves as magazine salesmen. They have not only been knocking on the doors of local apartment complexes but have also been sighted around Kirkwood Community College's campus.
According to Tom Kaldenberg, executive director of facilities at KCC, "Imposters had been forcing their way into many women's apartment complexes posing as magazine salesmen harassing them, forcing entry and pressuring them into going on dates."
However, its not only the magazine salespeople that can pose a danger. Kaldenberg also stressed to "get to know your neighbor." Everyone should always be aware who they associate with, this way it is easier to pick up on dubious and strange behavior.
According to www.abcnews.com, there are over 35,000 assaults on America's college campuses each year. These attacks include instances such as purse snatching, car break-ins and sexual or physical assault. At Kirkwood the crime rate on campus has increased in recent years. Statistics from www.securityoncampus.org show that in 2003 there were three reported assaults on the KCC campus, 12 reported assaults in 2004, and 19 reported assaults in 2005.
Kaldenberg said that KCC security is always alert. On campus security is on the lookout for predators and suspicious behavior 24/7, he said. "There is always at least one officer standing watch," Kaldenberg added.
For the best safety and security Kaldenberg provided the following tips:
•When traveling after dark, arrange to walk or ride with friends
•Walk in well lighted areas
•Make sure all apartment windows and doors are always locked
•Identify the person knocking by looking through the peep hole (if the person is unrecognizable don't answer)
•Never leave an extra key outside of your door or under your doormat for any reason.
Kaldenburg stated students in need of assistance should call security at 319-389-1774.
According to Tom Kaldenberg, executive director of facilities at KCC, "Imposters had been forcing their way into many women's apartment complexes posing as magazine salesmen harassing them, forcing entry and pressuring them into going on dates."
However, its not only the magazine salespeople that can pose a danger. Kaldenberg also stressed to "get to know your neighbor." Everyone should always be aware who they associate with, this way it is easier to pick up on dubious and strange behavior.
According to www.abcnews.com, there are over 35,000 assaults on America's college campuses each year. These attacks include instances such as purse snatching, car break-ins and sexual or physical assault. At Kirkwood the crime rate on campus has increased in recent years. Statistics from www.securityoncampus.org show that in 2003 there were three reported assaults on the KCC campus, 12 reported assaults in 2004, and 19 reported assaults in 2005.
Kaldenberg said that KCC security is always alert. On campus security is on the lookout for predators and suspicious behavior 24/7, he said. "There is always at least one officer standing watch," Kaldenberg added.
For the best safety and security Kaldenberg provided the following tips:
•When traveling after dark, arrange to walk or ride with friends
•Walk in well lighted areas
•Make sure all apartment windows and doors are always locked
•Identify the person knocking by looking through the peep hole (if the person is unrecognizable don't answer)
•Never leave an extra key outside of your door or under your doormat for any reason.
Kaldenburg stated students in need of assistance should call security at 319-389-1774.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
DriftyAlison0
posted 8/25/07 @ 1:54 PM EST
Its a shame that things like this has to happen.
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