Private security hired for UCLA sorority row amid reports of harassment, aggressive behavior

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- UCLA sorority students are on edge following recent reports of harassment and aggressive behavior, and sorority row is now getting private security.

Students living on Hilgard Avenue, which is also known as sorority row, say harassment has been a problem.

"We hired our own personal house security a couple months ago because we were dealing with somebody who was kind of being intrusive and dropping letters on our porch, and once we hired our personal security, we didn't have that problem anymore," said Danyelle Silberman.

According to the Daily Bruin, the UCLA Panhellenic Council has taken action as well. Every day from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., the council has hired private security to patrol the street.

"If it's a problem for one house, it's a problem for all the houses, right? Like, he could just go to another house. We're all really close by so I think it's important to have security for the entire row."

Just a couple months ago, investigators say 26-year-old Alexander Schecter kidnapped a female UCLA student. He's pled not guilty to that, as well as the rape of another woman last year in Culver City.

"I feel a lot safer, definitely walking back to my house or even being outside at night, which I think is kind of important, especially being at school on a college campus," said Sarita Patel.

Ten of the 11 panhellenic chapters have houses on UCLA sorority row and while many of the students ABC7 spoke with say the additional security has had positive effects, they're also taking their own precautions.

Patel says she carries pepper spray with her.

"Always be aware of your surroundings. I always tend to walk alone with music in my ears, but that's not always the safest thing to do. Just make sure you either walk with a buddy or be aware of your surroundings," Silberman added.