Assaults Prompt Security Fears
Pembroke College are pushing for extra safety measures after a series of assaults on students around McCoy’s kebab van. The Oxford Student understands new lights, more cameras and extra police are among suggestions being made by the college in order to combat persistent problems in the area. At the beginning of term, visiting Oriental student Shai Gruber was threatened and punched after confronting two men who were throwing bicycles around outside his window.
Both men attempted to physically assault him: “I found myself with my back to the door of college, and my keys in my pocket.” His friend called the police, who arrived at the scene and arrested the men. They denied assaulting Gruber, but the incident was caught on CCTV and they were officially cautioned. “The area is notorious”, Gruber told The Oxford Student. First year student Joseph Manning, was also recently subject to a similar attack.
Junior Dean, Kaleen Love said college had sent out an email to students detailing their proposals. JCR President Tristan de Souza told this newspaper that the college were very aware of the issue and were building up an account to present to the City Council. He added: “There is a perception that Council do not view the issue as particularly problematic.” Bursar John Church was unavailable for comment.
9th Jun 2005