UD increases reward for information on rapist

4:06 p.m., Nov. 21, 2006--The University of Delaware has increased the reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for two rapes and a sexual assault near the campus in October, UD President David P. Roselle announced today.

The reward, originally announced at a campus forum on Nov. 2, is being increased by $10,000 to a total of $20,000. It is hoped that others will choose to add to the reward, and persons who wish to contribute in increments of $1,000 or more are asked to contact UD Police Chief James Flatley at (302)831-1204.

Newark Police are investigating the three cases, which they say they believe were committed by the same individual. On Oct. 8, a 19-year-old Newark woman was raped in her home on Wilbur Street about 5:30 a.m., when a man entered her residence while she was asleep. A UD student reported a similar incident about 4:50 a.m. that same morning, when a man entered her residence on East Park Place and awakened her as she lay in bed. She screamed immediately, and the suspect fled. Around 5-5:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, a 20-year-old UD student was raped in her residence on Haines Street.

In all three incidents, the suspect has been described as about 19-22 years old, 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, with a medium build. He has short brown or light brown hair, which may be cut in a buzz cut style.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newark Police Department by calling (302) 366-7110, ext. 135; or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, where information may be left anonymously.

Members of the University community are reminded to always be alert and vigilant, and to be aware of their surroundings. If concerned about traveling at night, contact UD Public Safety for the safety escort service by calling (302) 831-6666.

Public Safety offers the following safety tips:

o Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and show a confident attitude;
o Report any suspicious activity by calling 911, or to the University of Delaware Police (831-2222) on campus or the Newark Police (366-7111) off campus. Timely reports of information make it easier for the police to gather critical evidence and increase the odds of recovering stolen property and successfully prosecuting a criminal;
o Avoid walking alone at night--walk with a group, take a University shuttle bus, or call Public Safety for an escort--if you must walk alone please make sure to use well lighted paths and sidewalks and take the most direct route;
o Keep your doors locked (room and vehicle). Do not prop open residence doors--this is an invitation for trespassers;
o Do not lend your keys, ID card, or PDI card to anyone -even your friends-not everyone will take the same care as you would;
o Report all maintenance problems (broken locks, windows, etc.) to Housing immediately;
o Attend Security Awareness programs held on campus for valuable information and safety tips;
o Identify your valuables-register your computer, bicycle, stereo, etc. with Public Safety;
o Use crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals to safely cross streets; and
o Be aware of campus and local crime trends. You are your best protection; educate yourself.

For more information, go to [www.udel.edu/PublicSafety].

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