Security tightened at Laval University after reports of sexual assault

Quebec City police are investigating reports of sexual assault in Laval University residences overnight Friday.

Police received reports of four separate incidents, which included four complaints of breaking and entering and two complaints of sexual touching.

They are looking for three suspects in their 20s believed to have been roaming residence hallways and knocking on doors. 

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.

The university says it is now collaborating with police on the investigation and has sent emails to students to remind them to take security precautions.

"The message that has been sent to the students living in the residences was basically to remind them to be vigilant by locking their doors," said Laval University spokeswoman Andrée-Anne Stewart.

The university has tightened security on campus and security guards were seen standing outside of residences Sunday morning. 

One student, Myriam Van Winden, said she was disappointed to hear about the events, especially since there was much discussion and awareness around rape culture on campus.

"I find it completely horrible to think that there are people doing this, especially in university," she said. 

PhD student Vahid Asgharian said the incidents were a good reminder for the university to ramp up security in residences.

As is, he said "everybody can enter."

He suggested the university start restricting access to its residences by adding card readers. 

• 'It still happens': 1 in 4 experiences sexual victimization on Quebec university campuses