UWindsor campus authorities increasing foot traffic after 2 students followed late at night
University of Windsor officials say they are taking steps to ensure the safety of students after two people were reportedly followed to their cars while on campus in separate incidents.
The second incident was reported late Tuesday evening, according to campus police director Matt D'Asti.
"The incident and individual are similar to what was described in another complaint filed earlier this week, so we are reminding students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus to use the enhanced safety protocols the University has in place,” said D’Asti in a statement.
In a statement released Tuesday night by the University of Windsor Students' Alliance (UWSA), the group said the incidents have caused a "great level of stress and anxiety among students."
"When I heard about this, I was pretty scared," said first-year student Maria Parra.
"I go to the library all the time to study and knowing about people being followed, especially with me staying late at night here, it does make me feel pretty unsafe."
University of Windsor campus in Windsor, Ont., on Oct. , 2022. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)The UWSA has reimplemented its Walksafe program for the remainder of the school year. The free service will allow students and staff to call a volunteer who will walk with them to their destination.
Walksafe volunteers can be called between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
University officials are also encouraging staff and students to download the Safe Lancer app which can track the user's location while walking at night and can put them in immediate contact with police if required.
Blue emergency poles placed around the campus also allow students to get in contact with a telecommunicator until police arrive. Flashing lights are located at the top of each emergency pole, serving as a visual indicator for officers and others in the area where help is required.
"Additionally, there are a number of yellow and stainless-steel emergency boxes that work similarly and allow users to remain in contact with a dispatcher until police arrive," D'Asti added in his statement.
For Parra, the university's measures make her feel "a little more safe."
"The whole situation has made me feel very anxious about walking on campus, especially being a woman and very young. An easy target, I guess," she said.
Campus authorities say they have reported the two incidents to Windsor police and are working with them "closely."
"One of the things I find is that I see students on their phones with their earbuds in or headphones on," said Const. Bianca Jackson, who adds walking through campus like that, especially late at night, can be very dangerous.
"You can't hear the things that are going on around you or if someone is approaching."
Windsor police constable Bianca Jackson says she sees too many students walking around campus looking down at their phones and wearing headphones. She calls the behaviour "dangerous" as it prevents students from being aware of their surroundings. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)Jackson recommends students limit distractions while walking outside, walking with others whenever possible and parking their cars in well-lit areas.
"All these safety tips are not just for students. They're for anybody who works swing shifts, getting off at midnight or anytime during the night."
The University of Windsor also provides a service called Working Alone for individuals studying or working late on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Members of the campus community can contact Campus Police at any time for an escort," said D'Asti.
“We are working diligently and together with our partners, to ensure that everyone on campus can move freely and confidently as they go about their study and work duties.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.