ANGIE CARNATHAN
In response to recent criminal incidents against women on University Drive, Starkville Police Department is warning females to be vigilant when it comes to their safety.
Master Training Officer Laura Hines Roberson said the most important aspect of vigilance is a person’s awareness of his or her surroundings.
“The criminal is scoping you out and determining whether or not you’re a good target,” Roberson said. “If you are aware of your surroundings, then you are not a good target. If you’re listening to your iPod (with) speakers in both ears and you’re oblivious to what’s around you, then you are the perfect target.”
Although officers believe both incidents were unrelated, Detective Josh Buckner said both victims were approached from behind. Neither of the women knew their attackers.
Roberson said a person’s awareness of someone approaching can be key in staying safe. Even in full daylight, Roberson said continually looking around and being proactive about your surroundings will make you safer.
“If you see them first, a lot of times that’s a good defense because they don’t get to sneak up on you,” Roberson said. “So if you beat them on that particular aspect, you’re doing good because they want to be sneaky.”
Roberson said the department’s warnings are not intended to scare anyone, but officers want residents to be smart and aware in light of recent events. Officers say running alone during the early morning or late at night is unadvised. They also encourage runners to avoid listening to music in both ears, change the time of day they run as much as possible and avoid using the same routine route.
Roberson said although she means no disrespect to previous victims, walking alone at night is never a good or safe idea and everyone should do everything in their power to make themselves a bad target for criminals.
“If you have somebody with you, that makes you less of a good target,” Roberson said. “It never hurts to have a cell phone with you. You can call 911 if you need it, or you could be a witness to someone else being attacked and need to call the police.”
Roberson said she encourages anyone who witnesses any suspicious behavior, who is in fear of their safety or who thinks they are being followed to immediately call 911.
“Don’t be afraid to be rude or to be wrong; it’s always better to be safe,” Roberson said. “Your fear of being rude or unsure should never outweigh your fear for your own or someone else’s safety.”
Roberson said the police remain confident the person who attempted the sexual assault will be apprehended, but they will need the public’s assistance.
“We want to catch this guy,” she said. “Somebody has to know him. I guarantee you he’s around females every day because he wants to be around females. He’s scoping out (potential victims); he could be a guy you see at the grocery store. If somebody is making you feel uncomfortable, don’t second-guess yourself. Trust that instinct and call the police.”
Roberson said it’s helpful to give police your name when reporting someone suspicious, although it’s not necessary and shouldn’t stop someone from reporting something.
“It’s helpful because if the officer doesn’t get there in time to identify the subject, we might need to contact you for additional details,” she said. “However, we would never give out your name, and if you want to call anonymously you can.”
Read the complete article at Starkville Daily News.
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