British police are increasing security measures amid crime near campus

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky Police Department is increasing its security efforts. This comes as concerns about crime near North Campus are increasing among students and parents.

From 10pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday, people can expect to see more UK Police officers on foot, bike or car patrolling the area considered North Campus. It’s about an early morning shooting last Sunday at a Raising Cane’s Chicken restaurant just a few hundred feet from campus.

Chief Joe Monroe said the shooting on South Upper Street was the last straw. Now the UKPD is becoming “more aggressive” in prosecuting crimes.

“This incident really brought it home to us because this footage was Cornerstone Garage, where our students study and hang out late into the night,” Monroe said.

From Friday, Britain will be installing large floodlights on Winslow Street and other areas of the Limestone Street corridor here. Monroe says they also plan to allow access to the Cornerstone Garage and Good Samaritan Hospital Garage only to people with a permit.

“In the past, this has been a problem for us at night because we’ve had patrons of local establishments parking there and there’s been some criminal activity,” Monroe said.

Freshmen Cadence Dupin and Deanna Hussein say they feel safe on campus overall, but say extra exposure is never a bad thing.

“I feel like some people are worried about the police presence and think something bad is going on, but I really feel safer and better when they are around,” Dupin said.

UK is also conducting a lighting study to install permanent lighting in areas from Scott Street to Maxwell Street.

“Yeah, it can get dark at night, really dark, and now that it’s getting dark early, it’s probably going to be really good,” Dupin said.

“I agree and we never go anywhere alone, especially at night,” Hussein said.

Monroe said UKPD works closely with the Lexington Police Department.

“We will continue to assess the situation and adjust accordingly. This will not be tolerated,” Monroe said.

Students are reminded that in an emergency, they can report suspicious activity to UKPD via the LiveSafe app or by calling 911.

The university has also partnered with Allied Universal, a campus security company, to provide additional protection.