Updated 09/14/2012 10:27 PM
Police investigating rise in crime near SU
Some recent incidents have Police on alert around Syracuse University. There's been a rise in crime involving people who don't attend the school. The incidents range from assaults to robberies. Our Iris St. Meran spoke with local and campus police about keeping students safe.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The new school year brings with it added awareness about safety on and off campus. Police say there's been an increase in crime.
Syracuse University Police Chief Anthony Callisto, Jr. said, "We've had reports of robberies and assaults and some theft from vehicles. These folks who are committing these crimes are non-students."
The most recent incident happened early Friday morning at an off campus party on Claredon Street. Three men came by uninvited and were asked to leave.
"They did not willingly leave the party. They started an altercation. This altercation resulted in one student being injured," said Syracuse Police Deputy Police Chief Shawn Broton.
That student's injuries were minor. Police did arrest Justin Hatter, 22, charging him with third degree assault and resisting arrest. They haven't identified the other two.
If students do have an off campus party, the police chief is urging those students just to be aware of who they're letting in.
"If some uninvited guests might want to attend the party, they need to call 911 if they're in the off campus neighborhood,” Callisto added, “Or if they're in the south campus neighborhood, they need to call us at the Department of Public Safety."
Police are also increasing area patrols. But students we spoke with have already been taking precaution.
"I always try to be in the light, the most public area possible," said sophomore Ruben Perez.
Student Kelsey Dilendik said, "If I'm going out late at night, I'm always sure I have friend with me. That's a given. To travel in groups is the best way to do it."
And that is advice also echoed by law enforcement.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The other assailants have not been identified yet. Anyone with information is asked to call Syracuse Police at (315)442-5200. All calls will be kept confidential.
Also if you see anything or any acting suspicious, call 911.