A letter warning DePaul University students, staff and faculty about a string of armed robberies that’ve taken place in broad daylight on sidewalks near the school was sent campus-wide on Tuesday afternoon.
At least three women have been approached by armed suspects on the sidewalk between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Lincoln Park in the past week, police said in a recent community alert.
The suspects, who are described as two men wearing ski masks, demanded the victims give them rings and jewelry, police said. The incidents occurred at the following times and places:
- Around 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 17 on the 300 block of West Webster
- Around 3:33 p.m. on Sept. 20 on the 2200 block of North Halsted
- Around 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 20 on the 1900 block of North Larrabee
While none of the incidents occurred on DePaul University property, Bob Wachowski, director of public safety at the school, wrote a letter to the community to both notify people of the recent incidents and to offer guidance for how to stay safe “when traveling to and from campus,” he said.
Here’s what he suggested:
- “Alertness, confidence and trust in your instincts are your best resources. If your gut says to move away from a person or situation, trust it.
- If possible, avoid electronic distractions. Do not use headphones or earbuds while walking on the city streets or using public transportation.
- Try to carry a minimum amount of cash and credit cards. Remember, no amount of property is as valuable as your life.
- Do not engage with people on the street who are provoking passersby or selling things.
- If approached for money on the street, do not provide your banking information or use your phone to transfer funds. In the past, students have been asked for funds and personal information under the guise of a charitable organization or those in need of money for medication.
- Note the location of phones and emergency call boxes on campus and use them if the need arises.
- Call 9-1-1 if you are witnessing a crime in progress or someone needs immediate medical attention. Also report any criminal activity or suspicious individuals to Public Safety at 773-325-7777 (Lincoln Park) or 312-362-8400 (Loop). Save these numbers in your phone for easy access in an urgent situation.”
