Crime Alert July 24, 2014: Burglary/Theft

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on July 24, 2014, a suspect stole a laptop from a professor’s office in Science. The suspect was a young, African-American male in his late teens or early 20s. He was wearing a red Chicago Bulls hat with a white bill, a long white t-shirt, and dark jeans. The suspect was also likely wearing an orthopedic boot on his left leg and walked with a limp. The suspect arrived and left in a light blue Rainbow Taxi. The professor was gone from the office for only about 30 seconds.

Crime Alert July 27, 2014: Burglary/Theft

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on July 27, 2014, a suspect stole a computer from a study lounge in Kennedy. The suspect was an African-American male in his mid-to-late 20s with a bald head. He was wearing a long, black t-shirt and dark jeans. He concealed the computer by removing his t-shirt and carried it out while wearing a white, sleeveless undershirt.

Crime Alert July 27, 2014: Burglary/Theft

At approximately 1:15 p.m. on July 27, 2014, a suspect stole an iMac computer from an office suite in Kennedy. There were 2 suspects who were young, African-American males in their early 20s. One male was wearing a “fishing hat,” a grey t-shirt, and dark jeans. The other was wearing a dark baseball cap, a long, button-down dark shirt, and dark jeans. He removed the long sleeved shirt to conceal the computer on the way out.

You Can Help Prevent Crime at Augsburg!

• Lock your Doors – even if you will only be gone for a minute, lock your doors
• Keep Valuables out of Sight and Secure them – use locked drawers or cabinets
• Do Not Leave Valuables Unattended
• Secure Valuables – Do not leave your purchase cards, credit cards, cash unattended in your office unless there is a safe or vault—especially overnight or on weekends
• Do Not Bring an Excessive Amount of Cash to Work or Other Unnecessary Items
• Keep Track of Serial Numbers or Other Identifying Information
• Report Suspicious People and/or Activity to DPS Immediately
• If you are the Victim of Theft – report the incident to DPS immediately

Public Safety was notified at 4:37 PM on July 15th of a robbery that occurred on the footbridge across I-94, south of Murphy Park.  The victim was walking alone and was walking south across the footbridge when he was confronted by 3 male suspects.  One suspect punched the victim twice in the head while the other 2 suspects pulled him to the ground.  No weapons were reported.  The suspects took items from the victim’s pockets and took his backpack.

All 3 suspects are described as tall, thin African American males with medium complexion.  One of the suspects wore a grey hoodie and another suspect wore a red baseball cap.

You Can Help Prevent Crime at Augsburg!

-Trust Your Instincts – If you sense trouble, get away
-Be Observant and Aware – Remain alert, be aware of your surroundings, observe the other people around you.  Know who is around you.  Be alert for suspicious behavior (e.g. a person wearing a long coat in the middle of summer, loitering, etc.)
-Walk Confidently and Do Not Make Yourself a Target – Robbers are looking for an easy target.  Keep your head up and eyes alert and walk at a steady pace.  Do not walk while looking at you phone and avoid carrying lots of packages or other belongings.
-If You are Robbed – Stay calm and remember: safety first!  Follow the robber’s directions, but do not volunteer more than asked for.  If you have to move, tell the robber what you are doing and why.  Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him/her later.  Give the robber time to leave and note the direction he/she travels.
-After a Robbery – CALL DPS OR THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY.  Avoid touching anything the robber has touched.  Try to recall as you can about the robber including speech and mannerisms.
-Notify DPS of any suspicious activity right away

Public Safety was notified at 4:15 AM of an incident of carjacking. Victim was in his vehicle leaving Taco Bell (20th Ave S and Minnehaha Ave) around 3:30 AM when 2 suspects got into his vehicle. Suspects stated they had a gun but did not display it. Suspects demanded money and that victim bring them to his home. Once they arrived at the residence (on-campus housing) the suspects took his keys and left, stealing the vehicle. Minneapolis Police were notified of this crime. Suspect description is below.  If you have any information about this crime, please report to Minneapolis Police 911.

Suspect 1 (claimed he had a gun under his shirt)

Black male between the ages of 21-27 weighing approximately 180-190 lbs and 5 feet 5 inches. Wearing white shirt, black cargo shorts and had a mustache and goatee. Suspect 2 referred to him as “Jamal”.

Suspect 2

Black male between the ages of 21-27 weighing approximately 165-180 lbs and 6 feet tall. He was wearing a plaid shirt, blue jeans; had curly black hair, a mustache and goatee. Suspect 1 referred to him as “Abdul”.

You Can Help Prevent Crime at Augsburg!

• Always lock your vehicle.
• Make sure to place valuables out of site before you park. Keep them in the trunk or on your person.
• Check on your vehicle often.
• Keep your keys on your person at all times.
• Immediately report any suspicious activity to the Minneapolis Police or Augsburg DPS.

JUNE 26 2014: Off Campus Robbery

On Tuesday, June 24th at approximately 8:30 p.m., a robbery occurred on the I94 foot bridge just south of Butler Place and Murphy Park. The victim is not affiliated with Augsburg College.

According to Minneapolis Police the victim described the suspects as “2 African American males, and 2 African American females”. Suspects took a backpack, iPad, iPhone, and a wallet. Victim was treated for minor injuries. Anyone with information is asked to call the Minneapolis Police Tip Line at 612-692-8477 or submit an online tip via Minneapolis Police website below http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/report/index.htm

Crime prevention and Safety tips can be found on the Augsburg – Public Safety website Crime Prevention page.

Safety Tips:

*Avoid walking alone at night.
*Keep valuables out of sight.
*Be aware of your surroundings and minimize distractions (ear buds, texting).
*Public Safety escorts are available to approved escort locations from dusk until dawn. Walking escorts to and from on-campus locations are available 24/7
*Report suspicious activity to Public Safety at 612-330-1717 or Minneapolis Police 911

On Thursday, May 1 at approximately 8:30 p.m., a robbery occurred at the intersection of 20th Avenue South and Riverside Avenue (across the street from Afro Deli) The victim is not affiliated with Augsburg College.
The victim was walking northbound across Riverside Avenue on the west side of the intersection when he noticed he was being followed by three males. The suspects approached but did not speak to the victim, and one of the suspects punched the victim. One of the suspects had a gun, and another held a knife. The suspects took the victim’s iPhone and his wallet, and fled on foot. Officers responded and searched, but were not able to locate the suspects. The victim was slightly injured. Continue reading “Crime Alert: Off-Campus Robbery” →

A variety of personal property thefts and “apple-picking” crimes have been reported to Public Safety this week. Most are occurring at or near the light rail station or a few blocks off campus during the late afternoon and evening hours.

“Apple- Picking” is criminal activity that focuses on easy grab items such as Apple iPhones and similar products. The college campus is an easy target as criminals know that most students are carrying one of these devices and frequently have it out in their hand as they travel. A criminal can easily approach and distract the victim by asking a simple question (what time is it?) and then quickly grab the phone from their hand and run off. As the weather warms this type of crime tends to increase. Please remember to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings out of sight, including small electronics such as smartphones/Ipods/Ipads.

Keep the following tips in mind to help prevent crime on campus and keep your belongings safe!

-Be aware of your surroundings and who might be watching you/ your valuables.
– Don’t leave your valuables unattended and unsecured in public places.
– Keep valuables out of view. If possible, secure them in drawer or cabinet, or deep in a pocket/backpack.
– Always lock your office even if you will only be gone for a minute or two.
– Always lock your residence room, even when you are present!
– If possible, lock bicycles with a U lock around the frame and any “quick release” tires.
– Be aware of your surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity or persons to Public Safety
Dispatch (612-330-1717 or x1717 from a campus phone) or the Minneapolis Police.