As part of efforts to increase safety for students living off-Grounds, University Police have conducted 15 safety surveys in the Venable neighborhood since the Aug. 26 armed break-in and rape in that area.
Police still do not have any suspects or know how the perpetrator got into the apartment located between 15th Street NW and Rugby Road off of Grady Avenue.
The break-in occurred at about 4 a.m., when one University student was raped as her male friend was detained at gunpoint in the same room.
According to University Police Capt. Michael Coleman, police have examined student residences for safety deficiencies and made recommendations to property owners.
"It's been a mixed arrangement," Coleman said. "Some of the places have looked relatively good while others could use work."
The police surveys cited overrun bushes and trees and deficient outdoor lighting as the most common property shortcomings.
Coleman also advised students to keep their residences looking clean and neat.
"Crimes are more likely to occur in areas that look like nobody cares for," he said.
University Police Chief Michael Sheffield said landlords generally have been receptive to safety recommendations.
"The people who are responsible for the property have been cooperative with police suggestions," Sheffield said.
Landlords usually are required to maintain basic safety features on their property, Coleman said.
He said that landlords could be liable civilly for tenets' injury if a court rules that neglected property-owner responsibilities resulted in damages and that those damages were foreseeable.
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