Both the Lawrence Kansas Police Department and the Riley County Police Department continue to jointly investigate cases believed to involve the Kansas College Rapist.
Law enforcement encourages all residents to be vigilant in exercising personal safety and report any suspicious activity during the Winter break. Even for those not traveling, it is important to pay extra attention to activities surrounding your home.
ATTACKS OVER SCHOOL BREAKS
With the exception of the very first incident, each rape coincided with a break from classes at the University of Kansas or Kansas State University.
Law enforcement officials encourage heightened awareness, especially during breaks and periods when many students go home, affording potential attackers more freedom to act with less chance for witnesses.
RESIDENTIAL SAFETY
Keep doors and windows closed and locked.
Install good quality locks on doors and windows. Deadbolt door locks are always best. Sliding glass patio doors are frequent points of entry for burglars. They should always be reinforced by wedging a stick or pole firmly in the lower track behind the door.
Unplug your automatic overhead garage door opener when leaving for an extended period of time.
Install peepholes in doors.
Keep shrubbery trimmed so doors and windows are not obscured.
Ask reliable neighbors to watch your residence when you are away. Keep newspapers, handbills, and mail picked-up while you are gone.
Keep valuables well-hidden, especially checkbooks and extra checks. Record and safely store serial numbers from valuable items, such as electronics and firearms.
Keep premises well-lit at night.
Never let strangers into your home
Never give information indicating when you will or will not be at home to those you don't know or through social media.
Never let strangers know if you live alone.
If you are gone overnight, use automatic timers on interior lights to give the appearance that the residence is occupied.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never open door to strangers; require ID of service or repair people.
Plan several escape routes from your home.
Park in well-lit areas.
If you come home and something looks wrong or different - do not enter, go to a safe place and call police.
Keep money in a pocket instead of a purse or wallet.
Portray a confident and self-reliant person, walk like you have a mission.
Do not walk or jog alone at night.
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or the situation just does not seem right, trust your instincts and leave.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
If you are attacked or robbed, or you witness violence, contact the police immediately.
Immediately report anyone seen watching people or acting suspicious.
Both departments offer these tips to help students in combatting crimes of all types. As always, to report crimes in progress, call 911 immediately. For non-emergent reports call (785) 537-2112 in Manhattan and (785) 832-7509 in Lawrence. You may also contact CrimeStoppers by calling (785) 539-7777 in Manhattan and (785) 843-TIPS in Lawrence.