Muggers Attack Students at Columbia, Tufts

A rash of recent muggings at Columbia University and a spree of assaults at Tufts University have led security officers at those universities to consider ways to improve security.

Six young men from Somerville ranging from 15 to 18 years old were arrested after they allegedly beat up or tried to beat up five Tufts students in four incidents during a 45-minute period on the evening of September 10, Todd W. Heath, Tufts University news officer, said yesterday.

One of the students received a concussion when his head hit the ground and was taken to Rhode Island for treatment by his personal physician, Heath said. The other students were not seriously injured, Heath said.

Busy Signal

Heath said that because of security concerns, Tufts has recently installed extra emergency telephones on the campus for a total of 15 such phones. Tufts also has a new van for its evening escort service, Heath said.

At Columbia University, the administration has added a new security patrol because of seven recent muggings or attempted muggings on campus.

Fast and Tough

Some students who were mugged at Columbia complained that the guards they went to were afraid to chase the muggers or could barely speak English.

The Columbia Daily Spectator editorialized Sept. 12 that, "It's no longer safe to stroll across campus at night and if you do encounter trouble, there's no guarantee a security guard will help you."