University Police - Campus Safety Bulletin

Notice of Off- Campus Robbery

On September 28, 2008 at approximately 1:00 AM, a Salisbury University
student was assaulted outside a party at The Seasons (“the Zoo”)
apartment complex. The student, who was talking on his cell phone at
the time, was tackled to the ground and assaulted by four to six men.
The student’s wallet and cell phone were possibly taken during the
assault.

A similar incident occurred on September 28, 2008 at approximately 1:30
AM. A 19 year old man (non-student) was walking in the area of Smith
Street & Ohio Ave in Salisbury, when he was approached from behind and
assaulted by several men. The victim’s wallet and car keys were taken
during the assault.

The Salisbury University Police Department frequently reviews incidents
of off-campus victimization. The persons victimized in incidents such
as the two described in this bulletin, often have several traits in
common. Victims are typically:
walking alone during late night or early morning hours;
intoxicated; and
talking on a cell phone, listening to music through headphones, or
otherwise preoccupied and not attuned to the surroundings.

You can reduce your vulnerability for victimization by maintaining an
alert mind and traveling in groups.

Remember that the Salisbury University Police Department offers a free
escort service after the hour of darkness. Call 410-543-6222, - or on
campus extension 36222.

If you have any information regarding this case, contact University
Police at 410-543-6222, Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165 or Crime
Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Special bulletins are posted in an effort to make the University
community aware of any situation that poses a potential threat to the
safety and well being of those who live, work, study and visit the
campus. By keeping you aware of crimes occurring in your community, the
University Police hope to encourage you to become actively involved in
crime prevention. The following personal safety tips apply wherever one
resides. The precautions may lessen the likelihood of becoming a
victim. Increasing awareness of crime prevention techniques may
decrease the opportunity for a person to commit a criminal offense.

Street Robbery Tips:
1. Try to remain calm. Do not resist. Consider the robber dangerous.
2. In most cases, the robber only wants your valuables/money and is
not there to hurt you.
3. Assume the robber is armed, even if you don't see a weapon.
4. If a weapon is displayed, consider it to be real and loaded. Don't
stare at it.
5. Do only what the robber tells you. If you don't understand, tell
the robber.
6. Attempt to get a good, complete description of the robber.
7. Your main goal is to survive!
8. Don't fight back! The most effective self defense measures include
running away, hiding and screaming. More people will respond to someone
yelling "FIRE" than "HELP".
9. Remember--your money can be replaced, your life can't.

Basic Street Smarts:
1. Stay alert. You are your own best protection.
2. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes your feel
uneasy, use your cell phone to call 911 for police assistance.
3. Do not walk or jog alone after dark. Walk in groups, there is
safety in numbers.
4. Walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys,
entry ways and bushes where someone could be hiding.
5. Avoid short cuts. Walk where there are other people present.
6. Let a family member or friend know your destination and estimated
time of arrival.
7. Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Make eye contact
with everyone you pass. Don't talk to strangers.
8. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Avoid
carrying a purse or too many items.
9. If you are being followed when walking, change directions, vary
speed. Go to a well-lit area where there are other people. If followed
by someone in a car, turn and walk in the other direction. Record the
li
cense number.
10. If you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus or to nearby
off-campus locations during the hours of darkness, call University
Police for an escort (410-543-6222).
11. Report any suspicious activity or crimes to your local police
department.

Report any suspicious activity or persons immediately to the police. If
possible, use a cellular phone to call 911 while maintaining visual
observation of the subject(s).

Chief Edwin L. Lashley
University Police
ellashley@salisbury.edu