A Semester in Review: Campus Crime
By Katie Kerbstat
Features Editor
Throughout the fall semester, Campus Security had two incidents that required Jaspernet e-mails. One notified students of a pistol-whipping mugging on the 238 St. stairwell near Overlook Manor, the other about a sexual assault near the Horan Hall stairs. However, compared to recent years, Campus Security believes safety on and near campus has improved.
Director of Security Juan Cerezo says the number of incidents has been reduced due to the additions of the blue light system, parking garage security booth and new patrol vehicle. Getting rid of MC off-campus housing, the Cambridge Apartments and the Riverdale Townhouses, has also helped.
Campus Security responded quickly to the mugging on Oct. 21 by immediately sending out an e2campus text message and Jaspernet e-mail. The Riverdale Press reported that the robber pistol-whipped non-MC student Tiornagh Harmon in the face and stole her bag with more than $1,500 in cash and valuables. The 27-year-old was then thrown down the steps.
“The police don’t believe it was a random robbery. She was carrying a large sum of money so they believe that she might have been targeted and followed,” Cerezo said.
A sketch of the man was released that week by the NYC Police Department. He is described as a 5’7” male, 19-25 years old with a dark complexion.
The sexual assault that occurred in September was less violent. At 12:13 a.m., a 30 to 40 year old man followed two female students toward the steps leading from Post Road up to Horan Hall. The man grabbed the buttocks of one of the students before running away. The students declined to file a police report.
“Being that I got mugged twice in two weeks, I think New York is starting to take a turn for the worse. I’ve seen that Jeep around but I don’t think it makes students safer,” MC graduate student Al Placito said.
Placito was mugged while returning home on the subway late at night. His wallet and iPod were stolen.
Junior Jaci Rahey feels the same. “My car windows got smashed in a few weeks ago but whoever did it didn’t steal anything, not even my GPS. I don’t think any of the new [security] stuff has made MC safer.”
While the incidents caused apprehension among some students, overall crime in Riverdale is down. The NYPD reported that from 2001 to 2008, reported incidents of murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary and larceny have been reduced by 26.94% in the Bronx’s 50th precinct.
MC security reported a similar trend. In 2007 there were 29 reported cases of burglary, three incidents of aggravated assault and one robbery. In 2008, there were 15 less burglaries, no aggravated assaults, and one robbery reported.
Cerezo and Associate Director Robert De Rosa believe that this year’s statistics might be lower too. The 2009 report will be compiled sometime in January after security adds the statistics from Residence Life and the Counseling Center.
“Bringing students on campus definitely helped make them safer,” Cerezo said. Last year MC got rid of its off-campus housing. Cambridge Apartments and Riverdale Townhouses located past Riverdale Avenue are far from main campus and made it hard to patrol student-frequented areas.
Back in 2008, a female student was robbed near the corner of W. 235 Street and Riverdale Avenue on a Wed. night while walking to Cambridge. Two years ago The Quadrangle interviewed the victim. After throwing her against a wall and taking her things she reported that he “asked me for a kiss and grabbed me inappropriately.”
A similar incident occurred last January in front of Hayden Hall on Manhattan College Parkway. Cerezo says the addition of the security booth in front of the new parking garage makes that pathway near Hayden more protected. Security not only monitors the cars that enter the parking garage 24 hours a day, but also keeps watch over the Hayden area across the street.
Placito agrees. “The booth is in a good spot and that blue light system totally helps, it was long over due.”
The blue light system is the latest addition to security improvements. Lights around campus have been installed, two on the path near the Waldo parking lot, one by the financial aid offices, one by the stairs underneath the library and multiple lights in the parking garage.
Students have not used the lights thus far. “But that’s a good thing. I hope no one has to use them,” Cerezo said.
MC is still working to reduce alcohol and drug related violations and trips to the hospital. Twice in October, students getting off of the subway in the early hours of the morning were followed and harassed by strangers.
“A few female students had been drinking and things like this do happen when people over indulge in alcohol. When you’re intoxicated, you become vulnerable because you can’t take care of yourself.” Cerezo said.
Overall Cerezo and De Rosa believe security and safety on campus is headed in the right direction. However, Cerezo still encourages students to be very aware of their surroundings.
“Have our number on speed dial . . . don’t drink too much. . . and if you go out with friends, come home with friends!”
