UWPD, Housing offer safety tips, resources

In the wake of an incident Feb. 6 in Witte Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, University Housing and the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) are again asking residents to take common-sense steps to help ensure their personal safety.

UWPD responded to a report of a robbery in Witte at approximately 11:45 p.m. A man entered the room of two female students and put his hand on the throat of one of the students before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 40 years old, between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, 160 pounds with a “scruffy” moustache and beard, short brown hair, no glasses and possibly a gold tooth. He was last seen wearing a dark blue or black jacket, jeans and dark boots.

Among the safety information for Housing residents:

• Residents of University Housing are urged to keep their doors locked, especially when home or sleeping.
• Never prop open a building door or allow access to a stranger. Be wary of people that don’t appear to belong in the area. If you feel uncomfortable confronting a person following you into a residence hall, alert the hall staff, a House Fellow or UWPD.
• Do not open the door to someone who does not carry proper identification. University Housing custodial and maintenance staff members all wear identification tags with their photos and names. If a person is there on official business, they will identify themselves. If you are in doubt, call Housing to double check.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime at once. If UWPD is contacted within the first five minutes, they have a better chance of finding a suspect. Dial 911 for help.
• Walk with friends whenever possible. Use SAFEwalk or SAFEride when you can’t find someone to go with you. Information on any of the Safe Nighttime Services is available by calling (608) 262-5000.

University Housing has installed security cameras and monitors in its high-rise buildings, along with exterior door locking and monitoring systems. The systems notify staff when doors are ajar or propped open, to improve security.

UW–Madison is continuing efforts to improve safety for students, faculty and staff, says interim Dean of Students Lori Berquam.

“Campus safety is a partnership between all parties,” she says. “We’re extremely concerned about the situation and are working to do our part to make improvements. I’m continuing to ask that all students exercise personal responsibility for their own safety.”

Anyone with information about the Witte incident is asked to contact UWPD at (608) 264-COPS or Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.