Be alert

Have you been receiving emails and text messages about the crime alerts that occur far too often on or around the campus? I have, and it concerns me. It’s even more frightening to know that some of the suspects get away, because that means that they can potentially strike again. Some of the suspects work alone but I have heard of many cases when there is more than one suspect.

Many of the crimes are occurring during the evening hours. Many students here at UIC are staying late in the library finishing course work, as they should. So what should a person do who is in this situation?

I suggest that if you are leaving the campus during late hours, you should be aware of all your surroundings, which means that occasionally you should check behind your back to see if anyone is following you. I also suggest to you to never walk with earplugs in your ear or constantly looking down at your cellphones. Those things can wait until you get home.

I also suggest that you let someone know when you are on your way home and tell them how far away you are so that if too much time passed, that person will know that something is not right. Another tip is to walk in groups during evening hours and never walk down alleys. The best place to be during the night time is a well-lit street.

If you feel that you are in danger, the best thing to do is to dial someone’s number who you are familiar with and tell them to stay on the phone until you can get to a nearby business.  And lastly if you encounter a robber who is demanding your possessions, the best thing to do is to cooperate because your life is not worth a phone and some money. Those things can be replaced.

Matthew Maggit is a sophomore in accounting in the College of Business Administration. Matthew decided to come to UIC because of the business program’s reputation and because he wanted to study at a campus with a diverse atmosphere. He likes how close the campus is to downtown Chicago and the Willis Tower. In his free time, he loves to surround myself with loved ones, and he enjoys sports and going to the gym.