The Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) is stepping up campus safety efforts after two unsettling events targeting female students were reported earlier this month. A public safety advisory has been released to inform the community and encourage vigilance in the wake of these incidents, reported WRTV tomorrow.
The first incident, which occurred last Wednesday, involved an unknown man in a white van who was reportedly taking photos of sorority applicants on David Baker Avenue. Although the suspect was not immediately found, IUPD officers located the man later that evening and issued a one-year ban from all IU properties, as per the reports by WTHR. The advisory underscored that while no criminal charges have been filed, the man has no affiliation with the university.
In a separate episode last Saturday, a woman was approached by a man driving a black SUV, boasting an IU sticker, who professed to be part of an IU ride share service, falsely claiming to be giving rides home, before IU's official ride services were scheduled to start. The student wisely declined the offer and avoided getting into the vehicle. According to a statement obtained by IDS News, the man, who drove a black SUV with an IU sticker on it, slowed down next to a female student on Eagleson Avenue near Seventh Street and "insisted the student get in the vehicle." The suspect is described as a white male with short brown hair and at the time of reporting remains at large.
In response to these reports, IUPD has emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity immediately. Among the recommended safety measures, students are advised to lock all doors and windows, carry keys at all times, and verify the legitimacy of any ride services before entry. For emergencies, they can use the blue light phones across the campus that connect directly to IUPD. Most importantly, students are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, especially when the earbuds are worn and distractions are present, such as cell phones, as mentioned by WRTV.
As the incidents remain the subject of ongoing investigations, IU community members are urged to contribute any relevant information by contacting IUPD at 812-855-4111, ensuring continuous efforts to secure the campus environment for all students and staff.
