York University implements added measures to enhance security after sexual assaults
York U President expresses deep concern, urges extra vigilance
TORONTO, September 9, 2007 -- York University officials have implemented extra security measures in the wake of two sexual assaults and an attempted sexual assault in its Vanier College residence in the early hours of Friday morning.
These measures include:
- Effective doubling of York security patrols.
- Increasing staffing at Vanier Residence.
- Increasing staffing at other residences on campus.
- Heightened on-campus presence by Toronto Police Service.
- Postering across campus, reminding students to be vigilant.
- Alerts issued through all channels, including websites, direct e-mails, and ongoing contact with student government and associations.
- On-site counselling for students.
York University President Mamdouh Shoukri added his voice to the many concerns being expressed on campus: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the students affected by these terrible crimes, as well as the wider student community. We will continue to offer our support.”
“For our students in particular and for the York community as a whole, these are devastating events that shake us to the core. We will do everything we can to help Toronto Police Service bring these criminals to justice.”
President Shoukri is urging students to be vigilant with regard to their own safety, and that of their fellow students, and is asking all members of the York community to be extra cautious about security.
The CAMPUS ALERT that York University has issued is as follows:
Toronto Police Service continues to investigate two sexual assaults and an attempted sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours on Friday, September 7th, 2007 at Vanier College Residence.
Police are looking for two male assailants involved in both incidents. Toronto Police Service has issued the following descriptions:
Suspect #1
Male, white with a dark complexion, early 20’s with short dark hair, 5’5” to 5’7”, wearing blue jeans and running shoes.
Suspect #2
Male, white, 6’-6’1”, slim build, early 20’s, short light coloured hair, wearing blue jeans.
According to police, the two suspects sexually assaulted the first and second victims, followed by an attempted assault of another woman. They also entered three other rooms but were scared off.
Should you have any information with respect to these sexual assaults or information that may assist the police you are asked to contact Toronto Police Service Sex Crimes Unit directly at 416.808.7474 or Crime Stoppers at 416.222.TIPS.
All York community members are asked to be vigilant and report any and all suspicious behaviour.
York Security Services responds to all campus community calls for service and can be contacted directly at 416.736.5333
York University provides the following campus security services:
- 24/7/52 campus security patrols & monitored CCTV coverage
- goSAFE Transportation Service
- Escort - Foot Patrols
- Network of Emergency “Blue Light” Telephones
Please refer to Campus Alerts on the York Security Website for more information or further updates.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. The third largest university in the country, York is host to an academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 11 faculties and 24 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries.
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Media Contact:
Alex Bilyk,
Director of Media Relations, York University,
416-736-5603 or cell 416-707-9574
Keith Marnoch,
Associate Director of Media Relations, York University,
cell 416-455-4710
