Spring is in the air, bringing all the luxuries of warm weather with it- bright sunshine, blossoming trees, and an increased crime rate.
In the month of March alone, Capital has seen alleged incidents of assault and robbery, sexual assault, theft, and vehicular vandalism. According to the campus safety bulletin, March 24, “at approximately 1:25 a.m., two Capital University students flagged down Bexley Police to report that they had just been robbed and physically assaulted.
The victims claimed that the suspects forced their way in to the victims’ residence in the 700 block of Sheridan Avenue and proceeded to assault them and then steal their cell phones and an X-Box. The suspects then attempted to leave the scene in a black Ford Explorer. Bexley Police stopped the vehicle, and the victims positively identified the suspects as the individuals who had robbed and assaulted them. The suspects were then arrested and taken into custody.”
A week prior to that, an alleged sexual assault took place on Mound St.
“According to the Capital University Police report, an officer was dispatched when the alleged assault was reported on March 20, 2012 at approximately 12:20 am. The officer interviewed the victim who reported that she had been asleep in her room on the night of March 17, 2012, but was awoken when a male climbed on top of her and proceeded to sexually assault her. The alleged assailant has been identified. The Bexley Police Department is leading the investigation of this case,” the safety bulletin said.
Throughout the month, Capital has also been experiencing some problems with car break-ins, even in the lot directly behind Public Safety. March 5, vehicles were broken into, and the next night, some vehicles had their tires slashed.
“Capital University police are investigating at least five incidents of theft from vehicles parked on the south end of C-Lot, located across from The Capital Center along Pleasant Ridge Avenue between Mound Street and Astor Avenue. According to police, victims reported their windows had been broken and items, including purses, luggage and electronic items left in the vehicles, had been stolen. One victim reported her stolen credit card had been used at area businesses. Capital University and Bexley police are [also] investigating the slashing of tires on vehicles parked along Sheridan Avenue and in Capital University parking lots located along Sheridan Avenue. According to Capital police, tires were slashed on at least eight vehicles parked in the lot behind College Avenue Apartments and the Department of Public Safety between 1 and 3 am Tuesday, March 6,” the safety bulletin said.
Capital Public Safety Officer Sgt. Frank Fernandez offered some tips for students on how to stay safe.
“It’s important to read the safety bulletin. Be aware of your surroundings. When it’s dark, walk in pairs so you’re not an easy target, especially if you leave Bexley. We’re here 24/7 if you need an escort. Secure car doors before you walk away, and take your valuables out of your car. Remember to lock doors and windows in your house on the first floor, especially since the weather is warm. People accidentally leave their windows open all the time,” Sgt. Fernandez said.
Fernandez also believes the majority of crimes in the area are not premeditated.
“Sometimes we say warm weather leads to an increased crime rate, but most crimes are crimes of opportunity. That’s why we preach to be alert and keep stuff out of your car. More people are outside now, so more people leave stuff unattended, and people have the opportunity to steal,” Fernandez said.
Sgt. Fernandez also believes that on the whole, Bexley and Capital are safe places.
“We’re close to other Columbus areas, and we get some crime run-over. We’re a private school with an open campus. Anyone can walk through campus. Bexley and Capital are safe communities, and because of that, sometimes people try to take advantage. Just be aware of the transient people,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez recommends that students “call in any suspicious activity, property damage, really anything. If a light is out, call us and we’ll tell facilities. The students know who doesn’t fit in the buildings and the parking lots. Call us anytime.”
The number for Public Safety is 614-236-6666 and the safety bulletin can be read at http://www.capital.edu/safety-bulletin/.
