The Quad

Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News

Two strong-armed robberies that occurred on the night of Jan. 18, 2008 at the intersection of Church and Bernard Streets and the 700 block of S. Matlack Street are now being investigated in connection with eight other related incidents in West Chester.

"Between January 7th and January 25th there has been investigation of numerous strong armed robberies. The WCPD do expect to file charges in connection with the robberies," West Chester Detective Sergeant Louis DeShullo said

Recently in West Chester there has been a string of eight strong armed robberies which are believed to be connected to the same suspect. No charges at this time have been filed, but the WCPD do expect to make an arrest in connection with the robberies.

On Friday, Jan. 18 there were two incidents, one occurring at 2:21 a.m. at the Intersection of Church and Bernard Streets and the other at 2:36 a.m. at the 700 block of S. Matlack Street. Both involved strong-armed robberies of two victims, both female. The assailant managed to steal the victims' pocketbooks and their contents.

In both incidents the assailant is described as a male with the hood of a dark colored sweatshirt pulled over his head. The victim in the first robbery was unable to identify the race of the male. In the second robbery, the victim described the assailant as being an African-American male. In both robberies the assailant is said to have fled on foot after committing the crimes. In both incidents the names of the victims will not be released.

According to Lieutenant Brill at West Chester University Public Safety, "Safety alerts are put up by Public Safety after each incident. If possible do not walk alone, pay attention and avoid situations that may turn into crime." Public Safety offers numerous programs that help to lessen crime. These include Operation Safe Walk where an officer from Public Safety will escort you on campus back to your designation and self-defense programs that are available to everyone on campus, including faculty.

The WCPD encourage safety practices especially at night. Walking with someone else instead of alone is recommended. If wearing a jacket, women are recommended to walk with their purses covered to prevent the possible chance of a robbery.

West Chester University is also equipped with campus emergency phones.

The phones are located in every parking facility as well as inside and outside many of the academic and residential buildings. There is no number needed when using the phones; simply just push the button and a connection to the Public Safety Communications Center will be made.

According to Public Safety, keep valuables out of sight and secured at all times. If living in the residence halls keep your doors locked at all times. When walking through doors do not allow others to follow residences through the doors. Always be aware of surroundings and what is going on at all times. Safety is the responsibility of everyone; look out for fellow students and employees. When witnessing any crime or suspicious incidents, even when in doubt, report them to stop crime in its tracks.

Leanne Sturt is a second-year student majoring in English with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at LS637862@wcupa.edu.

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