INCIDENT:   Robbery

OCCURRED:   October 24, 2012 at approximately 12:00 AM  

LOCATION:   1961 S. Orchard Street, Urbana

BRIEF DETAILS:

The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating a Robbery that occurred near 1961 S. Orchard Street, Urbana (Orchard Downs).

On October 24, 2012, at approximately 12:00 AM the victim was walking in the 1900 block of South Orchard Street.  As the victim crossed to the east side of Orchard Street, he observed two offenders, coming from the south, riding bicycles.  The offenders approached him, and one asked to borrow the victim's cell phone.  When the victim handed Offender 1 his cell phone he was struck, from behind, by Offender 2. The victim was then struck several more times.  The victim gave the offenders his property, and both fled the area.  

OFFENDER DESCRIPTIONS:

Offender 1 is described as a male, 5'10" tall, skinny build. This offender was wearing a dark hoodie and dark pants.

Offender 2 is described as a male, wearing dark clothing.

Information about the race or ethnicity of alleged offenders is provided only to aid detailed descriptions that include physical stature, clothing or unusual characteristics.  Racial descriptions do not, by themselves, offer a meaningful picture of an individual's appearance.

POLICE RESPONSE:

The University of Illinois continues to actively work to identify and apprehend the offenders in this incident.  Witnesses to this event or those with information are encouraged to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216.

SAFETY INFORMATION:

Members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to follow these safety tips to decrease their potential for becoming a victim:

-Stay alert - call the police immediately to report suspicious activity and/or if this subject is observed.

-Trust your instincts - if it does not feel right, call for help.

-Avoid walking alone at night. Travel in groups when possible and always walk in well-lit, heavily traveled areas.

-Turn down your electronic devices. Excessive volume or use of electronic devices (iPods, PDAs, cell phones, etc.) can distract you from potential safety hazards.

-If you choose to consume alcohol, please drink moderately - remember your ability to respond is diminished by over-consumption of alcohol.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The University of Illinois, Champaign and Urbana Police Departments are collaborating to provide CrimeReports, a national crime mapping service, with up-to-date crime information. This map includes Clery crimes (homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, arson and motor vehicle theft), as well as other crimes that are of concern to community members.

You can access the campus district crime map and sign up for daily, weekly, or monthly email alerts at www.CrimeReports.com. Access to the crime map is available 24 hours a day through the website or through a CrimeReports iPhone application, available for free download in the Apple iTunes store.

Information also can be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 217-373-TIPS or online at:
http://www.champaigncountycrimestoppers.com/

Crimes in progress, reporting of suspicious individuals or any event requiring a police response should be reported to our regional dispatch center by calling 9-1-1.

Crime prevention information can be found on the University of Illinois Division of Public Safety website at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu/universitypolice/campussafety.html

Updates to crime alerts can also be found at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu

Information regarding our commitment to continually enhance campus safety can be found at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu/universitypolice/enhance.html

Jeffrey T. Christensen
Executive Director of Public Safety
Chief of Police
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign