To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick" <dps-mail@uiuc.edu>

Reply-To: dps-mail@uiuc.edu
 Subject: Current Safety Concerns

The Division of Public Safety at Urbana-Champaign works hard with our
community to provide a safe and secure campus for our students, faculty and
staff.  I write this morning to inform you of four armed robberies that
very recently happened in the campus district.

Between midnight and 2:40 a.m. today (March 31, 2007) four armed robberies
happened in the campus area.  These crimes took place in Illini Grove, the
natural area located at the northwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and
Pennsylvania Avenue; at Busey Avenue and Nevada Street in Urbana; at Wright
Street and White Street in Champaign;  and at Locust Street and Chalmers
Street in Champaign. In each case a man approached the victims and
displayed a handgun.  This suspect was described as a black male,
approximately 5' 08" and heavyset. He was wearing black clothing including
a black knit cap. Another suspect was seen standing near where the crimes
happened.  This suspect is described as a black male, thin and
approximately 6'01".  In each incidents, the suspect took personal items,
but no one was physically  injured.  Both suspects walked or ran from the
scene following the robberies.

University Police are working closely with city police departments to
apprehend the criminals.  If you have any information to assist with this
investigation please call Crimestoppers at 217-373-TIPS or the University
Police at 217-333-1216.  Most importantly, if you feel something is
suspicious, immediately call our local emergency number:
911 from your cell phone or 9-911 from campus phones.

These robberies are known as "crimes of opportunity," because the criminals
look for people they consider easiest to victimize.  That means that we can
all take steps to reduce our chances of becoming a target.  First, pay
close attention to your surroundings; do not place yourself in a position
where you are unable to detect individuals who may be approaching you. Use
well lit and populated routes whenever possible.  Always walk with a friend
or join a group.  Better yet, use the services of either SafeRides
(217-265-7433) or SafeWalks (217-333-1216).

Your safety is very important to us.  In meeting our goal of keeping our
campus safe, you need to always be aware of your surroundings and to let us
know if you see any suspicious activity.  If you would like to talk to an
officer about additional safety tips, please call us at 217-333-1216.

Thank You,

Chief Krystal FitzpatrickThis mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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