Series of related robberies occur on or near campus

The University of Arizona Police Department sent out an alert warning about campus-area robberies due to mugging incidents happening near campus or involving UA students.

A series of what appear to be related robberies and armed robberies occurred on and near campus and involved UA students, reports stated.

All of the cases happened in the same time frame and most occurred in the area north of the campus between Euclid Avenue and Campbell Avenue, said Sgt. Eugene Mejia, spokesman for UAPD.

In each case, the victims described seeing the same darker-colored large GM car, Mejia said.

All of the victims said two African-American men approached them and demanded their property. In some cases, the victims described seeing a gun, Mejia said.

One student reported he could hear the clicking of the gun as he ran away, Mejia said.

"Because of the method of operation and how the victims are confronted we believe the cases are connected," Mejia said.

In order to prevent a robbery situation, it is advised students walk in groups and on well-traveled roadways, Mejia said.

"They like to confront people in alleyways and low traveled streets because they have less of a chance of being seen," Mejia said.

When asked if he walked alone, Ian Kloak, a mechanical engineering junior who lives in the neighborhood north of campus, said he would walk with classmates if they were coming from the same area.

"I don't know anybody with the same classes or I would walk in a group," Kloak said.

Robyn McCarthy, a journalism junior who lives off-campus in the area the robbers victimized, said she doesn't take much caution when walking home alone at night.

"I probably take the most dangerous route home," McCarthy said. "I walk by myself and in alleys."

It is very important for students to be aware of their surroundings and if something suspicious happens call police, said Mejia.

"Don't wait for something to happen," said Mejia.

The more information a student knows about the suspect or car and the faster the crime is reported will all help police apprehend the suspects faster, Mejia said.

"I'm pretty paranoid so I'm always looking around and am pretty aware of my surroundings," said Dustin Seppala, a journalism junior.

If a student becomes the victim of a robbery, UAPD advises the student stay calm, give the robber what he requests, do not go with the robber, be a good witness and dial 911 immediately after, reports stated.

Robbery prevention and other tips are available online at the UAPD Web site at www.uapd.arizona.edu.