MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Police in Morgantown are investigating three unrelated sexual assaults and have one suspect in custody.
Morgantown Communications Manager, Andrew Stacy says in the last 30 days there have been three attacks in the downtown area. One each on High Street, Chestnut Street and Forest Avenue.
Stacy says police have a suspect in custody in the Forest Avenue case and have known suspects in the other two assaults.
None of the cases are related and none occurred on the Rail-Trail or involved walkers or joggers.
If you see a crime in progress call 911, if you have information about a crime or criminal activity call 304-284-7475.
The website alarmbands.com has released five tips for women who frequently walk alone at night.
- It is essential for all women walking alone at night to be conscious of their surrounding and not be in their own world with their headphones. It is important to hear and sense danger through movements and sounds. There are ways you could enhance your hearing abilities through various techniques of listening. It is smarter to use the phone when you are walking alone at night. You can call a friend who is located nearest to you at that point of time and keep giving an update so that your friend gets a fair idea of where you are at any given moment.
- Carry a whistle in the shape of a personal alarm. There are numerous whistle keychain alarms. It is better not to carry these things in your purse or bag. They should be kept within easy reach in your pockets so that you could access them quickly.
- Wear appropriate clothes and shoes that allow you to run fast, when required. It is quite a vulnerable situation when a woman has to run from an assailant or an attacker in a pair of high heels.
- Learn the art of self defense when attacked. It is worth every cent if you pay to learn techniques of basic self defense when attacked while walking alone at night. It is better to gain hands on experience with such techniques. It is of immense value to you to attend personal safety education workshops. Learning skills in self defense can help you remain alert and raise your levels of awareness. They can also help you calm down your fears and apprehensions about walking alone at night. They will allow you many choices that could be used in cases of emergency.
- If you can carry a weapon, do so. Using a weapon has to be the last resort strategy when you are attacked while walking alone at night. A weapon such as a licensed gun or a knife is quite advantageous as it levels the playing field with all types of intruders. You can learn how to use a knife properly. Being prepared is the best form of gaining confidence and you have to remember that attack is the best form of defense when you are cornered.