The start to a new year has brought with it a new concern for student safety. Personal harassment and robbery incidences have been increasing, occurring on Albert Street, and other areas surrounding Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo.
One particular incident occurred on Sept. 5, where an individual walking on Albert Street, near Bricker Academic, around 5 a.m. was robbed by a group of four males and received minor injuries. However this is not the only incident that has occurred.
Olaf Heinzel, public affairs co-ordinator of Waterloo regional police services, brought to light the current situation affecting Waterloo residents. He said that there have been โa number of robberies โ personal robberies in the area over recent weeks that we are currently investigating.โ
He continued to say, โWe have a team of detectives working on these, and in most of these incidents, the robbery consisted of someone having a cell phone or one of their valuables taken. Some cases itโs been cash, in many of these scenarios weโve had one or two victims generally on foot and they were approached by a group of people and were robbed, so the incidents vary in terms of time, location obviously and descriptions for the suspects.โ
Heinzel emphasizes that even though Waterloo is generally a safe community, it is crucial for people to use all their senses, especially if they are walking alone or in an unfamiliar area.
โKeep in mind,โ Heinzel said, โthat we live in a safe community, but there are precautions to take.โ He explained that something officials encourage is for people to be aware when they are walking alone, or in unfamiliar areas.
โWhat we find sometimes,โ he clarified, โIs that people are wearing their earphones, using their iPods, and theyโre talking on their cell phones. Theyโre basically distracted, and theyโre not able to hear whatโs going on around them. We have had incidents where people have approached from behind.โ
A fourth-year double major of biology and psychology at WLU, Kathryn Deeming, agreed fully with Heinzel. Deeming added, โDonโt walk around on your own, try to be aware of whatโs going on around you. Donโt focus in your own little world when youโre walking.โ
Deeming also suggested a very creative way to keep safe in situations where individuals have to walk alone. โI have friends who if they have to walk alone, they talk to someone on their phone but they just talk to themselves.
So then if someone was going to think, โIโm going to go up and โฆ you know … their going to know that [someone is] going to hear something happen.โ
However in the case that someone is approached or attacked by a stranger, Heinzel warns that, โThe personal safety is first, because obviously no one wants to get hurt over the loss of something like a cell phone โ which can be replaced.
โSo, itโs really just a matter of diligence and being aware of your surroundings; having a plan, staying in a visible area, using all of your senses and just make smart choices. If you can arrange transportation after hours, all the better.โ
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