ROBBERIES - OFF-CAMPUS MARCY-HOLMES NEIGHBORHOOD

POSTED: OCTOBER 26, 2009

On Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, University of Minnesota students were victims of robbery in four separate incidents in the in the off-campus Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. The robberies occurred between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. as the student victims were walking through the neighborhood. In each of the cases, the suspects punched and physically assaulted the victims. Victims have lost wallets, credit cards, cash and cell phones.

The two suspects in the robberies are described as black males in their late teens to early twenties. Both are approximately five feet, eight inches to six feet tall with thin to medium builds. They were both wearing jeans and dark colored jackets with a "hoodie."

Minneapolis Police are investigating these robberies. Anyone with information about the incidents are asked to call the Minneapolis Police Department tip line at 612-692-8477.

The University of Minnesota Police Department asks that you remember the following:

* When threatened with a weapon, it's best not to resist. Your personal safety is more important than a lost wallet or cell phone.
* Always be aware of your surroundings.
* Walk in well lit areas and don't walk alone. If you can't find someone to walk with, call the Campus Escort service at 612-624-WALK for a free security escort.
* Carry minimal amounts of valuables.
* Keep written records of valuables, including model and serial numbers, in a safe place.
* Call 911 immediately if you are the victim of or witness to a crime.
* If you anticipate a problem, and have a cell phone available one member of your group should be prepared to dial 911.
* Document information about the suspect for police (i.e. clothing descriptions, facial features, piercings or tattoos, speech, etc.).

This Crime Alert is sent in compliance with the federal Clery Act which requires universities to alert the campus community of crimes that may pose an ongoing threat to students and employees. For updates on any developments in this case, please visit the Crime Alerts page on the UMPD website: http://http://www1.umn.edu/police/alerts.html

For more on campus safety and security, and for a list of campus safety resources available to you, visit the University's Emergency Preparedness Web Site.