Break-Ins, Assaults at UCLA Prompt Security Alert

In response to a string of break-ins and assaults in apartments near campus, UCLA has increased nighttime police patrols, expanded its security escort services and launched a safety campaign.

The heightened state of security on and around the Westwood campus comes after police reported that a man suspected in six apartment break-ins early Thursday morning may also be responsible for a rash of sexual assaults elsewhere on the Westside.

The prowler, who reportedly enters through unlocked doors and open windows, attacked three women in an apartment near campus Thursday. One of the women was injured and taken to the hospital, police said.

Last month, two women were sexually assaulted in separate incidents by a man--fitting a different description--who entered their apartments through unlocked doors, said police. A similar pattern of sexual assaults has occurred in Mar Vista, Palms, Venice and Santa Monica.

Nancy Greenstein, UCLA’s director of police community services, said the university will beef up patrols by campus police in the surrounding neighborhoods where the assaults and break-ins have taken place.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles City Council members announced that they will vote next week to offer a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the criminal.