As women, it’s important for us to stick together and to protect each other when we feel at risk. It’s especially important for us to speak up and speak loud when it comes to sexual harassment in order to spread awareness and keep each other safe. Because of what’s been happening in Blacksburg as of late, we felt it was our responsibility to share a detailed report of the break-ins and burglaries, as well as a list of items for purchase to help make you feel comfortable in your own home, and resources available for you to take advantage of.
- News updates and what to know in Blacksburg
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Disclaimer: the following information was retrieved from Blacksburg Police Department’s CrimeMapping.com and Montgomery County Public Safety Radio
1/22: 9:40 a.m. Burglary and Breaking/ Entering at 400 BLOCK ROANOKE ST — the suspect is described as a college-aged white male wearing dark clothing and face covering.
1/23: 7:50 a.m. Burglary and Breaking/ Entering at 1200 BLOCK PROGRESS ST, 2:38 p.m. Burglary and Breaking/ Entering at 1200 BLOCK PROGRESS ST, 4:10 p.m. Burglary and B&E @ 700 BLOCK APPALACHIAN DR
1/25: 7:00 p.m. Burglary at 500 BLOCK SUNRIDGE DR, 10:08 p.m. Burglary and B&E @ 100 BLOCK CLOVER VALLEY CIR
1/26: 1:55 p.m. report of knocking on doors and windows, but no suspect visible at MacArthur St, 1:14 p.m. Report of sexual assault and B&E at Cambridge RD
1/27: 12:22 p.m. report of an attempted break-in at the Village
- Self-defense tools and strategies
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Near or in front of your door:
Not looking to buy? Use what you have to barricade: barstool, chairs, step stool, coffee table, etc.
In your room
Whistle (VT always gives them out for free at housing fairs)
Taser or stun gun
Again, use what you have: candles and heavy textbooks for defense, and a desk chair to barricade the door.
General Strategies
Turn off Snap Maps so people can’t see your location.
Remove any “girly” decorations outside of your home (wreaths, certain doormats, maybe plants).
Go into your VT account and make your private information inaccessible to the public.
Frequently check the locks on your doors and windows.
Buddy system! Share your location with close friends and roommates, and don’t go anywhere without having someone with you.
- Resources to practice being safe
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Rape Agression Defense System (R.A.D. for women)
Anonymous tips can be reported online at the links above or via the new Hokie Ready app (for Android and iPhone devices).
If you’re feeling unsafe, uncomfortable or on edge, know there are resources you can use to have an advantage. The world can be a scary, scary place for women, and as unfortunate as it may be, sometimes it’s up to us to fend for ourselves. Please reach out and use the resources listed above if you have any information about the burglaries, and call 911 in the case of an emergency.