As reported on InsideVandy.com, two suspects from the Sept. 29 armed robbery near Kensington Garage have been arrested by Metro Police. The two apprehended suspects have also been accused of a slew of robberies in and around the western part of Vanderbilt's campus. According to Metro Police, more investigation into these and other crimes is expected to lead to more arrests.
Vanderbilt community members should realize the danger of gang violence in our neighborhood. Too often, we feel insulated by our well-lit, well-patrolled campus and our excellent police department. While the university has done much to keep its community safe, there are so many important steps individuals can and should take to keep themselves secure in their persons and their possessions.
Students should always be smart when traveling off campus. This means walking to shops and restaurants in groups, particularly at night, and staying in well-lit areas. Lock car doors in parking lots, avoid parking far away from your destination and take a cab rather than unnecessarily walk long distances.
On campus, fraternities and sororities should keep their doors and windows locked, and cars should always be locked, particularly in garages and peripheral F lots. Students and faculty should avoid walking on the edges of campus late at night without someone else. Women should always carry some sort of self-defense tool, like pepper spray, but always be aware that a robber or rapist may be carrying a firearm.
Take Back the Night, despite its radical beginnings in San Francisco, is a positive force to reinforce the dangers of violence against women. The annual rally at Vanderbilt, held Monday night, focused mainly on domestic and sexual violence, but as recent events have proven, violent crime can happen to anyone. There should be a greater effort by the university, VUPD and student organizations to educate community members about the reality of gangs and the violent crimes they commit.
Before the police, streetlights and friends, the first line of defense against violent crime is the individual. Vanderbilt community members have a responsibility to make sensible decisions about their actions. While there may always be violent crime in the world (and that includes around Vanderbilt University), individuals can take the first step in prevention by avoiding bad situations and looking out for themselves and their belongings.
