The University of Illinois Police Department issues Crime Alerts in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The University of Illinois Police Department is committed to the safety of the campus community and is releasing this information to aid in its protection. For more information about the Clery Act, visit http://clerycenter.org/summary-jeanne-clery-act.

INCIDENT:     Robbery

OCCURRED: Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 3:25 AM

LOCATION:    200 South Wright Street, Urbana (map)

BRIEF DETAILS:

On Saturday, November 22, 2014, at 3:25 a.m., the victim was at the MTD bus stop in the 200 block of South Wright Street, Urbana (west of Everitt Lab). While waiting for the bus, the offender, who identified himself as “Robert,” approached the victim and tried to engage her in conversation. The offender then shoved the victim, grabbed her purse, and ran. The victim chased the offender and he dropped the purse after he slipped and fell near the Vivarium Building (606 E. Healey Street, Champaign). The victim then kicked the offender in the face. The offender was last seen running northbound.

OFFENDER DESCRIPTIONS:

The victim described the offender a white male, 5’07” tall, thin build, and approximately 30 years old. He was wearing a black coat with the hood up, dark pants, and brown shoes. The offender may also have a facial injury.

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 Police Department is working to identify and apprehend the offender.  Witnesses to this event or those with information are encouraged to contact the University Police Department at 333-1216 or Crime Stoppers at 373-TIPS (8477).

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

SafeWalks is a courtesy service provided to University of Illinois students, faculty, or staff, so that they do not have to walk alone within the campus area. Information on SafeWalks can be found at http://www.publicsafety.illinois.edu/universitypolice/SafeWalks.html