After a recent string of public safety concerns, including catalytic converter theft and intruders in classrooms, some students find themselves feeling uneasy about their safety and the safety of their vehicles.
In the last month, there was one catalytic converter reported stolen from a car parked behind the SURF building and two other vehicles were broken into. On Jan. 19, a group of teenagers entered Pasteur Hall without authorization and interrupted classes.
Isabelle Begley, a senior who is double majoring in anthropology and sociology, said she understands campus safety issues well.
“I had an experience last year with someone attempting to steal my catalytic converter,” Begley said. “I left my car for a little bit by the baseball field, and I tried to start it to leave for winter break. It started making a bunch of noise and the wheel almost came off. It really made me realize how badly I could have been hurt.”
According to the annual Security and Fire safety report, from 2019 to 2021 there were seven rapes on campus, seven thefts, two cases of dating violence, and seven instances of stalking.
Campus crimes are on the rise. According to the Clery Report from 2017 to 2019, there were four rapes, one case of aggravated assault, four burglaries, four cases of dating violence, and two instances of stalking.
Bellarmine Office of Public Safety Director Debbie Fox said she advises students to call her office anytime they have a safety concern.
“They can call us at 502-272-7777. We have an app that they can download. Most people are familiar with our Rave app, which is the community's notification system.” Fox said.
The Rave app alerts the BU community to safety issues such as weather warnings, late campus openings and cancelled classes.
She said she also wants students to be aware of another campus safety app called the Rave Guardian.
The Rave Guardian app allows students to chat directly with the university's public safety staff, as well as letting them see their locations in case they are walking alone on campus. Location data can be shared with friends and family as well to act as a virtual “escort” when students are walking alone.
Communication major Daniel Hutchins has developed his own safety maneuver.
“I have a maneuver of taking my keys in between my knuckles, so if all else fails, I have a weapon on me if I need to defend myself,” Hutchins said. “But that is about as far as my self-defense skills go. I personally feel safe on campus, but I like to have a plan.”
To find out more about public safety on campus, contact the Office of Public Safety located in Treece Hall, room CNTH-054, or download the Rave Guardian app from any app store.
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