University of Minnesota students are on high alert after three armed robberies, which investigators believe to be linked, took place near the Minneapolis campus Jan. 19-21.
The two suspects were described as black males, 20- to 25-years-old and carrying a black handgun, according to the Minneapolis Police Department’s Facebook page. The armed robberies occurred at the intersection of 6th Street SE and 11th Avenue SE, the intersection of 8th Street SE and 14th Avenue SE and the Bridges Apartments located at 930 University Ave. SE.
With the danger being so close to the U of M’s Minneapolis campus, Tim Busse, the university’s communications director, advised that when possible, walking home with a friend is always the best option.
“Students should always be alert and aware of the people and environment around them,” Busse said. “We advise students to take their ear buds out and to put their phones away when walking. Distractions can make you an easier target.”
Busse also said that students can always call the university’s security escort service at 612-624-9255.
Because the university has the majority of students living in the surrounding neighborhoods, alerting students of crime is a crucial part of ensuring their safety.
“The challenge of preventing crime and informing students of ongoing risks is one that will always demand attention,” Busse said. “The university works closely with the Minneapolis Police Department to highlight their public information strategies and social media channels when crimes occur in the adjacent Minneapolis neighborhoods.”
Because a situation like this can happen to anyone, Busse advises students to call 911 if they’re suspicious of any activity, even if they are not victims to or have not witnessed a crime.
U of M junior Natalie Coon is taking the appropriate measures when it comes to walking home later in the evening.
“I try to walk with friends when it’s dark outside or later at night. I also keep my gaze up instead of looking down at the ground, “ Coon said. “Even though I really enjoy listening to music when I walk, I don’t listen to music once it’s dark outside … If I don’t have a friend with me, I tail along at the back of a larger group of students.”
Coon said she finds the university’s crime updates helpful and informative.
“The U definitely does a great job of keeping students updated. I receive crime alerts via email and text message with thorough details of the situation, description of the suspect and follow-up steps to take if we have information to report,” Coon said.
Although these crimes have taken place close to campus, Busse said that doesn’t mean the campus is unsafe. He said investments in lighting, camera coverage and building security are just a few things that keep the students safe.
“The University of Minnesota campus is a very safe place. While theft of laptops and other personal items continues to be an issue, the incident rate for serious crime is among the lowest in the City of Minneapolis,” Busse said. “That’s due in no small part to the collective efforts of university community members who are educated and aware and who take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.”
Although these crimes have happened around the U of M, the same precautions apply to St. Thomas students. If you see any suspicious activity or are a victim to a crime, immediately call 911. If you would like to be escorted home, call St. Thomas Public Safety at 651-962-5100. For emergencies dial 651-962-5555 or 911.
Noura Elmanssy can be reached at elma7206@stthomas.edu.