Recent neighbourhood incidents


Oct. 24 Update

Hamilton Police have made an arrest in connection with three incidents in West Hamilton. Hamilton Police Services Release

Oct. 12 2018

Recent break and enter incidents experienced by student households in the Westdale and Ainslie Woods neighbourhoods continue to be very concerning for the McMaster community. The University is working closely with Hamilton Police Services as they continue to investigate each incident, and with partners such as the McMaster Student Union (MSU) to ensure students are aware of supports and resources available to them on campus.

As the Fall Break approaches, police remind everyone  to keep their doors locked and windows secured. If you are leaving town for the break it is important to ensure your residence is secured prior to departing. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in the area to Hamilton Police Services at 905-546-4861, McMaster Security Dispatch at 905-525-9140 ext. 24281 or 911 for a crime in progress.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

Resources are available to support students including:

 Student Walk Home Attendant Team (SWHAT)
SWHAT will walk or bus with any McMaster student anywhere on campus or off campus from University Plaza to the 403 to the edge of the escarpment.

SWHAT is open from September to April, 7 days a week.
Hours:  7  p.m. to 1 a.m.

Contact SWHAT in their office at MUSC 234 (by the study space near Clubspace and the Chaplaincy Centre) or call them at 905-525-9140 ext. 27500.   

Women Gender Equity Network (WGEN)

WGEN operates a safe(r) space where students who identify as women, transgender, outside of the gender binary, or as a survivor of sexual violence, can feel free to drop-in. WGEN also provides one on one peer support.

The hours for the 2018-2019 school year are:

Monday through Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: closed.

You can contact them via :

Meaghan Ross, Sexual Violence Response Coordinator

Any McMaster student, staff or faculty member who has experienced sexual violence is encouraged to contact McMaster’s Sexual Violence Response Coordinator, Meaghan Ross, in the Equity and Inclusion Office. Meaghan can provide support, referral to resources, assistance with accessing academic accommodations, safety planning and information on navigating reporting options both on and off campus.

For further information, please visit: https://svrp.mcmaster.ca/  or contact Meaghan at 905-525-9140 x 20909 or rossm4@mcmaster.ca during business hours.