Rutgers students call for change amid uptick in crimes near New Brunswick campus

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office says that a woman reported being sexually assaulted at a house party. Authorities have also confirmed that three separate burglaries occurred on Saturday night.

News 12 Staff

Feb 22, 2023, 12:42 AM

Updated 708 days ago

Share:

Some Rutgers University students are calling for change after a recent uptick in crimes happening near the school’s campus in New Brunswick.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office says that a woman reported being sexually assaulted at a house party on Easton Avenue early Sunday morning. Rutgers University police confirm that the victim is a student.
"Every time I leave the house, especially as a woman, me and all my friends have to be very careful everywhere we go," says student Netti Gaeta.
The assault took place off campus, but students say that Easton Avenue is very popular because of parties and gatherings that take place near the university.
"One of the main things is that the party culture is a little toxic sometimes and people don't have someone to watch over them all the time," says student Prayeg Patel.
Authorities have also confirmed that three separate burglaries occurred on Saturday night. Rutgers students were the victims. Police say that they happened between 1:15 a.m. and 1:40 a.m. within homes that were near each other. This is also close to the university student center.
Police say that during the first two break-ins, a man entered the homes on Morell Street through unsecured windows. Police say the residents confronted the suspect, who left without taking anything.
The third break-in was very similar, but on Ray Street. Residents tried to stop him, but police say he was able to run away with some stolen items.
Some students are calling for changes.
“I don't think it is easy to bring changes, especially at the university level for a large school, but I think as more things happen, people are becoming more aware, trying to be more safe,” says Patel.
Authorities have not released any descriptions of the suspects in the burglaries or the sexual assault. No arrests have been made.