Officials: take usual safety measures over Halloween weekend

By Daing  S. Nasir

Western Herald

 As “Devil’s Night” and Halloween weekend approaches, authorities are reminding people that the same safety measures taken all year around should be applied on All Hallows’ eve. Students must be aware of the vulnerability of crime and their surroundings and to abide safety as much as possible. 

Students are advised not to be in remote places alone without company.

“As always, we encourage students never to walk alone at night,” said Deputy Blaine Kalafut of the Western Michigan University Department of Public Safety.

“Also, walk in well-lighted areas, with a group of people. It is expected that vehicle traffic will be on the increase, so caution should be used when crossing streets. Do not wear dark clothing,” he said.

There are alternatives for late-night transportation.

“We have both a walking and driving escort service on campus and Drive Safe Kalamazoo (DSK) will also be available during the weekend,” Kalafut said.  

Due to previous experiences, Kalafut said that the DPS is expecting an increase of malicious destruction of property complaints, broken windows and pumpkins thrown at cars.

Concerns over Halloween celebrations that may involve the drinking of alcohol at parties and events may be consequential for students and the public at large.

“Do not drink and drive, call a taxi, use DSK or the escort service on campus or stay at the location you are at until you are sober.  If you are hosting a party or attending a party, make sure the guests are only people you know or invited,” he said.  

It is normal during such festivities for individuals to seek out parties and try and victimize students by starting fights or stealing from them, Kalafut said.

“Call the police if unwanted subjects enter your apartment or house,” Kalafut said.

Students are advised to walk nearby busy areas and those that are lit brightly. 

“Stay in well lighted areas when alone and if confronted walk to a store or house and call the police,” Kalafut said.  

According to Kalafut, the WMU campus has several call boxes that can be used in emergency situations that connect direct to a dispatcher.

Students should always be aware of suspicious subjects and strangers and never allow someone you do not know into your house or apartment, he said.  

With recent concerns of a homicide that occurred at Concorde Place, the police urge to students to be cautious.

“The homicide appears to be a random act of violence but never the less students should never let their guard down, Kalafut said.

According to Kalafut, despite increasing numbers of assaultive crimes around the campus area, overall the campus is a safe place for students, faculty and staff to be.

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Posted by heraldstaff on Oct 28 2009. Filed under Campus, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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