Recently, UWPD officers responded to a report from a University Apartments resident who saw someone looking into their bedroom window. Officers checked the area, but no one was found. While this appears to be an isolated occurrence, the community member was understandably concerned for their safety.
With this incident in mind – and with us welcoming so many new residents lately – here are a few suggestions to help ensure your safety and privacy.
Lock Your Doors and Windows – Even when you’re at home, get into the habit of making sure any means of entry are secure.
Know Your Neighbors – Introduce yourself to and make friends with those living around you. The more we build up our own micro-communities, the more we feel compelled to look out for and help each other.
Lower Your Window Shades – The less people can see what’s in your apartment, the less enticing it is to anyone with ill intentions.
Keep Emergency Numbers Available – In any emergency, always call 9-1-1. For non-emergency-but-still-concerning situations, consider adding the following telephone numbers (or others) to your favorite contacts for quick access:
- UW-Madison Police Non-Emergency 608-264-2677
- University Apartments Office 608-262-3407
- University Apartments Resident Manager On-Call 608-444-9308
Trust Your Instincts – If you see something you feel is suspicious, call to have it checked.
De-Clutter Your Doorway – Allowing unsecured belongings to accumulate around doorways and windows not only attracts thievery, but also makes it easier for bad actors to hide near your home entry.
For more tips to help you stay safe, check out the Staying Safe section of the UWPD website:
https://uwpd.wisc.edu/staying-safe/
Jeff Kirchman
University Apartments Community Police Officer
608-264-2677 | jkirchman@wisc.edu
University Apartments Community Center, Room 131