Aspen Heights under lockdown after outbreak of crime

University of Missouri Maneater

Aspen Heights issued a temporary lockdown on the complex as a result of tenants and parents complaining of the crime, according to an email sent out by the complex.

On Oct. 6, shots were fired in one of the Aspen Heights’ apartment buildings at a party being held there, and Aug. 30, a home invasion and robbery took place at the complex, according to a Columbia Police Department news release.

The email, sent to residents, lays down some basic rules for the lockdown.

• Only Aspen Heights residents and approved guests may enter the property.

• Access codes have been disabled because these codes, which are supposed to be personal and private, were “shared with friends and strangers.”

• Only gate-clickers will work now.

• Each resident is limited to four guests per day.

• Each guest has to check in with security and provide the name and house number of the resident he or she is visiting and his or her own name and phone number.

• House parties are off limits.

• Those found in violation of the house party rule will be fined $600 per house.

These rules are necessary, Aspen Heights resident, sophomore Connor Silverstein said.

“It’s a pretty crazy time at Aspen,” Silverstein said. “As far as right now, (the rules) are what needs to happen because we’re paying money for Aspen Heights security. I think it’s needed. People need to settle down for a little bit.”

The crime is partially on the shoulders of the residents, Silverstein said.

“You need to lock your door,” Silverstein said. “A lot of it comes down to whether people are being adults or not, if they’re locking their door.”

The stories make Aspen Heights a target for other criminals, Silverstein said.

“If I wanted to break into somebody’s place and I’m hearing (this) I would go, ‘Hey, that’s easy,’” Silverstein said. “Of course I’m going to want to come back here if I got that much cash.”

The rules might not be effective for preventing crime, but they will be for other reasons, Silverstein said.

“Do I think it’ll work? Not really,” Silverstein said. “It’s just a matter of whether people get smart. This is a lesson: Lock your doors.”

Aspen Heights could not be reached for comment Saturday night.