UTSC is increasing security in the Science Research Building after a mysterious man asked for a dangerous chemical substance on campus for the second time within three months.

Last Monday around noon, the man approached a faculty member in the building and requested the chemical.

He is believed to be the same man who requested the substance from students on November 15, when police responded to an emergency call about “a suspicious male” on campus.

He is described to be between 19 and 24, approximately 5’7″, tall with a brown complexion. It is unknown whether he is a UTS student.

Tom Downing of 43 Division, who is in charge of investigating the case, did not want to reveal the name of the chemical in question, but said it is a dangerous substance “that’s not at the school.”

Downing said the man did not say why he wanted the substance.

“He just asked for the chemical and when he was told he couldn’t get it, he walked away,” said Downing.

UTSC media spokesperson Laura Matthews said the university is taking the second incident seriously.

“Police certainly see it as an issue of concern. [The chemical] is a dangerous substance and the nature of [the man’s] behaviour was not normal,” she said. “So put those two things together. […] We want to know who this person is and talk to him.”

Although campus security will now be more visible in the Science Research Building, it may not be enough for some students who feel uneasy about their safety on campus as a result of the two incidents.

“It’s alarming. I feel as though they have been complacent in dealing with the matter,” said fourth-year neuroscience and psychology student Jordanne Amos.

“This person could do serious harm. I guess it goes to show that we need a better way to monitor who comes on campus.”

Management student Stephanie Thevamanorathan appreciates UTSC’s immediate email alert to students following the incident, but said security cameras need to be installed on campus.

“I think that the safety measures taken on campus are adequate, but UTSC needs to have more cameras outside, so that if such situations happen again, there would be a better chance of identifying the [person] by his photo.”

The man was last seen wearing a black coat with red and white stripes running down either side. He was also carrying a black knapsack.

Students are asked to be vigilant and call Campus Police at 416-287-7333, Toronto Police Services 43 Division at 416-808-4300, or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS if they notice any suspicious behaviour on campus.