Street Robbery

Did You Know? 

 
* Many of the robberies are of individual victims and are committed by one or more male robbers.
* Most robberies take place on the way to and from a location, your car, your residence, and especially shopping centers.
* The use of a cellular phone or headsets, whether driving or walking, is a distraction which can increase your likelihood of being robbed.
* Robbery is a crime of violence that threatens the safety and quality of life of a community.
* Robbery is a crime of opportunity that can be reduced through awareness and prevention.
* Robbers are serial criminals and will continue to prey on victims until arrested. One of the most important robbery reduction strategies is to arrest the criminal.
* Failure to report a robbery, and not prosecuting the criminal if you are a victim, not providing information to police about robbers ensures continued victimization.

Walk Alertly and Confidently

* Try not to walk alone. It’s a lot safer if you walk with others..
* Be alert, walk with your head up and do not let your mind wander.
* Frequently scan your surroundings, that includes behind you.
* Trust your instincts, avoid uncomfortable situations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
* Be observant for groups of males/females driving or just hanging around.
* Do not take shortcuts through unlit, sparsely traveled paths such as trails, or alleys.
* If you see something, say something. Any suspicious persons or activities should be reported to LAPD immediately.

While at Home 

 
* Avoid standing alone outside your residence after dark.
* Avoid leaving your residence door unsecured.
* If you are suspicious of someone loitering outside your campus residence, call LAPD at 1 (877) ASK-LAPD

Be Smart About Cash

*Carry only the amount of cash that you expect to use. When possible, use ATM or debit cards rather than cash.
*Avoid outdoor ATM’s, particularly at night and those in secluded areas inside.
*Be alert at banks or check cashing businesses. Carrying cash marks you as a target.
*Avoid showing your wallet. Keep needed cash, ID, and credit cards in an accessible pocket.
*Do not wear expensive or expensive looking jewelry and carry as little cash as possible. Leave valuable items at home if not needed.

What To Do During a Robbery

*Remain calm. DO NOT resist. Try not to be a hero. Take no action that would jeopardize your safety.
*Make mental notes of: the robber’s race, age, height, sex, clothing, complexion, hair, eye color, etc.
*Anything unusual about the robber such as scars or tattoos.
*The number of accomplices and how they left the scene, direction of travel, type and color of vehicle. Get the license number if you can safely do so.
*Any conversations the suspects may have with one another.
*What the suspect’s weapon looked like so you can describe it later.
*Also, try to remember what the suspect touches so that fingerprints may be lifted.

After the Robbery

 
* Go to a safe location close to the robbery scene and call 9-1-1, immediately.
* When possible, ask all witnesses to remain until the officers arrive. If a witness must leave, obtain his/her name, address, and telephone number.
* Witnesses should write or remember their account of the suspects and their actions. Do not discuss the robbery or compare notes about the robber’s appearance with anyone.
* Protect the crime scene. Try not to touch anything.

Stay aware and be safe!