In response to a Tuesday shooting death at the M&F University Grocery and Deli on Englewood Avenue and an overall increased trend of violent crimes in University Heights, campus officials are advising students to exercise extra caution in the neighborhoods around South Campus over the upcoming holiday weekend.
"Travel in groups (and) don't allow peer pressure or alcohol to put you in situations that increase risk," said Dennis Black, vice president for student affairs.
In addition to asking students to be aware of possible threats to safety and security, University Police have increased the presence of uniformed officers on South Campus during overnight hours, according to UB Chief of Police Gerald Schoenle. Most efforts of the campus police are not a recent change, however, as a special new unit of officers has been in place since the beginning of the school year.
"We had already started a robbery detail for increased presence in the afternoons and weekends," Schoenle said.
Although warnings are reaching students by e-mail, posters and directly from extra officers on duty, officials don't students to stay away from University Heights during what is customarily a weekend of house parties over Labor Day weekend.
"This is the same message you get about terrorism," Black said. "We need to continue to live our lives, but we are smart, educated people... so be smart about what you do and where you go."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
