Serial-Rapist Attacks Heighten Safety Concerns

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A serial rapist is on the loose in the city, and many -- especially women -- are double-checking their safety measures.

NBC 4's Mikaela Hunt got answers to ensure your family's safety.

There have been no new tips after the seventh attack was connected Tuesday.

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But CPD's sexual assault squad asked patrol officers to take note of any rape reports that match the suspect description or scenario in the Northwest Serial Rapist investigation.

CPD Sgt. David Pelfrey said the recent rash of assaults is re-traumatizing prior rape victims.

He said a 2007 victim who was raped by a stranger contacted Pelfrey's office to see if her attacker matched up with serial rapist's profile because her case remains unsolved. Detectives pulled her case, and her attacker did not match.

CPD has had other similar calls, but there haven't been any connections so far.

The rapist mostly attacks in the early morning hours while the victim is asleep in her bed.

That has heightened concerns about home and personal safety.

PERSONAL SAFETY

"I know I will not be comfortable at all, until he's caught," said one young woman who wished to remain anonymous. She can't sleep in her Northwest Side apartment.

"I've spent a lot of nights over at a friend's house, and different places to change up my routine," she said.

She's not alone. Women across the city are checking their locks and being more aware.

Julie Harmon, Ph.D., with Impact Safety said if you're caught off-guard in your bed, try this:

Pretend like everything is fine. Say, "Don't hurt me." Then yell, push him off and to the side and kick him in the face.

Carry pepper spray or a personal stun gun with you or keep them with you while you sleep. A stun gun can cost from $25 to $350. The quality varies.

The most important thing will cost you nothing: Be aware.

It's all common sense, Harmon said. Don't get out of a dark vehicle without looking around, etc.

HOME SECURITY

"I'm frustrated because I like to be at home and relax and read," NBC 4's anonymous interview said.

Hunt paired up with security consultant Bruce Kingsland to show you how to keep the rapist or other intruders out.

Lower landscaping is better. You don't want shrubs in an area where someone can hide, Kingsland said.

The other problem area is gated patios. When you're walking through the gates, you can't see the other side, Kingsland said.

Try something new on your front porch as a deterrent.

You want to buy a large, shiny dog bowl. It gives people pause, Kingsland said.

Or set out a pair of men's work boots.

And don't think your deadbolt is dead on. Extended locks drill into the wood and offer more protection. It's a simple change to fortify your doors.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

- Always lock your doors and windows.

- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

- When possible, travel as a group. There's safety in numbers.

- Avoid walking in isolated areas.

- Do not load yourself down with bags or packages that may restrict your ability to defend yourself or slow your ability to run.

- Keep your mobile nearby and ready to summon emergency help, if necessary.

- Do not walk with headphones in both ears.

- Change your daily routine; police believe the suspect watches his victims before committing the assaults.

- If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts.

- If you are attacked, yell, scream and fight back. Statistics show any form of determined resistance helps break off an attack 60 percent of the time. Most attackers don't expect resistance.

- If you are assaulted, find a safe environment and call 911. Do not shower, wash your hands or change clothes. Preserve any evidence you may have.