Master and Tutors Will Seek More South House Security

As a protection measure for South House residents, a forum on crime prevention will be held by the Crime Prevention Unit of the Harvard University Police on Wednesday evening in the Cabot Living Room of South House, Rulan C. Pian, master of South House, announced in a letter mailed late last week to residents.

At a house staff meeting last Wednesday, the South House Committee and affiliated tutors called for intensified security and requested the installation of extra phones and raised the possibility of a centralized bell desk in light of the recent rapes of two Leverett House students, Pian said yesterday.

Pian said that the establishment of a bell desk in each building would be too expensive because South House buildings are not connected. Pian added that she will also propose to the University better lighting in front of each building and within the quadrangle itself.

Judith B. Walzer, associate dean of the college and senior tutor of South House, said yesterday the letter was sent to resident because the staff "felt it advisable to make sure everyone understands what the dangers are in living in the middle of an urban area."

Richard J. Gersh '79, chairman of the House Committee said yesterday that he encourages students not to let visitors into entrys without proper identification. Once a person is let in through an entry door, access into rooms is easy if a student's door is unlocked, he added.

"We are going to help masters and tutors in some unified effort towards security for the house, but ultimately and unfortunately, it's a problem that more and more each individual will have to face," Gersh added.

Dave Neuschwander '80, a resident of Briggs Hall said yesterday, "I don't think the security at South House is adequate. The lock on our entry door doesn't always lock. There have been some robberies in Cabot Hall and there could be a lot more if security measures are not taken."