Safety a Priority as U-M Students Return

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WJBK) - It's a trickle now before next week's arrival of a great wave of students returning to the University of Michigan.

"It's a little stressful. A lot of unpacking and stuff to do, but it's been fun and I'm excited to start the year," said student Alicia Korda.

However, the stress may be greeted with a serial sexual predator on the prowl. Police recently released a composite sketch of a suspect they say attacked six women near the campus over the summer. Two were raped, four others grabbed or fondled. The university has alerted students.

"I just got the emails. They give a basic description of everything that's happened. It's a little bit scary," Korda said. "I'm pretty safe. I walk with my friends always and, if not, I have my cell phone on me."

"I stay on well lit streets, but I'll definitely think twice now," she said.

"I probably won't go out to the libraries as late," said student Emily Willer.

The university has increased public safety and housing security patrols on and around the campus.

"Our housing security officers will go around door-to-door in the residence halls and introduce themselves to the students, provide them with some safety tips, tell them about the blue light phones, the escort services, the night ride programs," said housing communications director Peter Logan. "Our resident advisers, as well, in their first meetings with the students will talk to them about safety on campus."

The university and Ann Arbor Police are now working together to make sure students are fully aware of the precautions they should always take. Police are also sorting through a mountain of tips on the rape suspect.

"About 600 of them, I believe, at last count. There's been several hundred leads that investigators are trying to sift through at this point," said Ann Arbor Deputy Police Chief Greg Bazick.

Next Wednesday through Friday will be the major move-in days.