UAPD releases alert after four incidents

A serial purse snatcher is making his rounds at the UA, police warned students and employees in a campus alert issued yesterday.

UAPD released the alert after a second incident occurred Monday, at 5:38 p.m., near a bus stop on North Cherry Avenue and East University Boulevard.

The first incident occurred on the north side of the Sixth Street parking garage on Sept. 8 at 9 p.m.

The Tucson Police Department said a suspect in two city incidents matches the description of the campus purse snatcher.

Mejia said the UAPD and the Tucson Police Department believe the same person is responsible for the four crimes.

Even though none of the victims have been harmed, Mejia said that as serial criminals continue their crime spree, they gain boldness and become more abusive with each incident.

"Until we identify the suspect, we fear that he will continue with his crime spree until he is caught. This is how these types of criminals work. They continue to commit their crimes until they are caught," he said.

The latest victim, a UA employee who asked not to be identified, said she was walking along the UA Mall to the bus stop at McKale Center, when the robbery occurred.

She said her purse was cradled on her left forearm when a man on a bike swooped past her.

"The thief just rushed by and pulled the purse from my arm," she said. "He was obviously very skilled. He knew how to do it."

The woman said she screamed, which attracted the attention of several people, including a young woman who rushed into the street and tried to stop "the wretch" as he pedaled away.

Students are encouraged to hold their purses, briefcases or backpacks close to their bodies. Packs hanging from one shoulder are vulnerable to theft, Mejia said.

While wallets and pant pockets should be used to carry valuables, large amounts of cash and credit cards should be avoided.

UAPD is also reminding people to use blue-light phones or cell phones to call 621-UAPD if attacked.

Crimes targeting women are nothing new to the UA, and continued attacks have caused increased safety awareness.

"I don't generally walk around at night unless I'm with someone," said Carissa Planalp, a creative writing and media arts senior.

"I think its pretty stupid to walk around at night if you're female," she added. "This isn't some, like, island paradise where nothing happens."

Planalp said she finds it nerve-racking when she finds herself alone.

"It just goes to show you that you need to be aware of your surroundings," said Alexis Coury, a marketing senior.

When asked if she thought the bag hanging from her shoulder could be snatched, she said, "Unless they want to steal my 35-pound bag, I don't think so."

Anyone with information on the crimes is encouraged to contact UAPD.