C233\/08<\/p>\n
Representatives of Curtin University met with Police today and discussed some urgent initiatives to respond to recent attacks on and around the Curtin campus and in the Bentley area.<\/p>\n
The security presence was immediately increased after news of an attack late on Friday night, and additional security staff and patrols are now in place.<\/p>\n
A female student was attacked while walking home along Hayman Road near the Bus Station after midnight on Friday night. The mature age student was approached by three men, one of whom pushed and punched her to the ground in what Police believe was an attempted robbery. Cannington Police are investigating the incident.<\/p>\n
The student is recovering in hospital and has been visited by Curtin Security and a counsellor from the University.<\/p>\n
Curtin University Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Strategy and Planning, Ms Val Raubenheimer, said that the spate of recent security incidents in the area is of great concern to the University.<\/p>\n
“The University has introduced a number of security initiatives since the injection of $2.5 million in 2006 in an effort to make the campus safer for students and staff,” Ms Raubenheimer said.<\/p>\n
“A Cardex access control system which includes campus assistance speaker points has been installed in a number of buildings, having the dual purpose of increasing building security and freeing up Security personnel to conduct more regular patrols. Additional CCTV cameras and lighting have also been installed to increase security and visibility in external areas.<\/p>\n
“We have also expanded the Campus Courtesy Bus service to run during the day so that it is now available from 9am to 2am Monday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday nights. The Courtesy Bus can be hailed at any point around the campus or people can contact security to be collected from their buildings.”<\/p>\n
Ms Raubenheimer said that the University has also equipped Security personnel with scooters and fluorescent vests to make them more mobile and visible.<\/p>\n
“We have an extremely hard working Security team who collaborate closely with the local police on a number of initiatives.<\/p>\n
“Last week, 22 police officers from the South East Metropolitan Crime Prevention Unit conducted a security information and awareness program on campus which was attended by large numbers of students including many of our international students who are often not as aware of personal safety as local students.<\/p>\n