Programme set to illuminate campus

In an attempt to make the university community feel more comfortable about staying on campus after dark, an upper campus lighting programme will be implemented shortly.

Phase one of the programme will see the replacement of lighting on the Ring Road as well as the establishment of good lighting in all parking lots.

The illumination of parking areas will be completed in time for winter, allowing staff and students to make their way to their vehicles through well-lit spaces.

In line with their focus for 2004, Campus Protection Services (CPS) again urges staff members to question unfamiliar or suspicious characters found loitering in departments.

CPS operations manager Vincent Ricketts said that staff should refrain from being blasé about reporting these security breaches.

"Don't assume someone else will report it and don't take it for granted that the person has a reason for being in the department," he said.

"We encourage departments to contact us to set up a crime awareness talk or workshop for their employees. This would teach staff to be more vigilant and inform them what to do in particular situations."

Ricketts told of a recent success story when an alert staff member from the Sports Centre reported two suspicious males hanging around the area.

The staff member also informed CPS that one had been arrested last year for trespassing. CPS officers apprehended one suspect (the other eluding them), taking him to the Rondebosch police station where he was charged with trespassing.

Also of concern to CPS is the number of cases where money, particularly petty cash, is stolen from offices that have not been secured.

"We have received numerous reports of money being stolen from filing cabinets or desk drawers, where the key has been placed in a second drawer," said Ricketts. "We advise departments to install a wall safe to prevent this."

The university community is also requested to be on the lookout for a white Toyota Cressida, registration number CA 514652. (A black or grey vehicle is also sometimes used). The vehicle has been spotted dropping off male suspects who commit crimes on campus.

If you see this car please report it to CPS immediately. They can be contacted on their 24-hour hotline - tel 650 2222/3.