Campus robberies on the rise from last academic year
A VCU student was robbed in an alley by the Bowe Street parking deck over Thanksgiving break, marking the third robbery reported by VCU police this semester.
Richmond Police identified two people of interest in a Nov. 18 robbery on Gilmer Street after they used stolen credit cards. Tips can be reported to Richmond Police.
Mason Brown
Staff Writer
A VCU student was robbed in an alley by the Bowe Street parking deck over Thanksgiving break. This robbery marks the third robbery reported by VCU police this semester.
The victim was approached by a man dressed in all black and wielding a hammer. He struck the student with his fist, took the wallet and headed in the direction of the Siegel Center.
VCU Police are still searching for the suspect and have increased area patrols as a result.
Another robbery that occurred Nov. 18, however, has strong leads from Richmond Police Department. Of the four suspects, two were photographed using credit cards stolen from the victims on the 400 block of Gilmer Street. While the suspects are still at large, they have been described as black males, about 5-foot-8-inches to 5-foot-10-inches tall with a thin to medium build. They were last seen wearing dark clothing.
“VCU Police have increased patrols and officer visibility,” VCU Police Chief John Venuti said. “All of our resources have been dedicated to preventing and suppressing robberies in the VCU area. We are also working closely with RPD jointly on this issue.”
Robberies have been on the rise this academic year with the three that occurred this semester, as well as 11 others in VCU jurisdiction. This is up from the nine in the 2010-2011 academic year.
VCU Police measure statistics in academic years, which means last year’s numbers include Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.
With regards to safety on campus, VCU Police are calling for the help of students and staff as well.
“When students see something or someone that does not belong in this environment, they need to notify police ASAP,” Venuti said. “Everyone plays a role in safety here at VCU. … We need 50,000 eyes and ears looking, watching and listening for suspicious activity.”
According to Venuti, crime on the VCU campus comes as a result of living on an urban campus. While many college campuses are self-contained entities, such as Virginia Tech or William and Mary, VCU is one that spreads through Richmond, and students live in and around the city. Cities have higher crime rates and allow more opportunities for criminals to commit offenses. However, the actions are preventable.
Venuti said there are no real locations where students are more likely to get robbed.
“Robbery is a crime of opportunity,” he said. “If students reduce the opportunity, they will greatly reduce their chances of becoming a victim of robbery.”
Students are able to lower their chances of being robbed by being aware of their surroundings and confident in their step. Staying in areas that are well-lit and populated will also lower the likelihood of being robbed.
