As you’re all probably aware, this past week has been a rough one in terms of crimes happening relatively close to campus. 

Also this past week, several Point Park students were victims of these crimes. 

It’s not productive or helpful to anyone for Point Park University to ignore these crimes as well as the declining sense of safety that we are feeling living downtown. We will say it blatantly. We are not safe on campus or off. We are located smack dab in the middle of the city, and anyone who pleases, Point Park related or not, can be on campus. 

This is the risk we take, and it’s the risk we all knew we were taking when we enrolled here. 

However, that doesn’t mean we can’t take as many of our own measures as possible to be safe.

We would tell you all to only go out in the daytime or with other people, but two Point Park students were attacked this week while together in broad daylight. It’s not enough to simply try and take precautions. It’s gotten to a point where we need to be even more proactive than normal.

When you do go out, always be aware of your surroundings. In fact, be hyperaware. Cross the street to avoid questionable activity. Carry mace if you have to. Carry a coin purse, so that if someone tries to rob you, you can toss the coin purse as far as possible and run in the opposite direction. Have 911 ready to go.

We don’t want to scare you, Pioneers. But you are our loyal readers, and it is our job to keep you informed and in the loop. We love you, so stay safe out there.