The Charlottesville Police Department is currently investigating three different robberies occurring near Grounds in the past three weeks.
The first armed robbery occurred Aug. 21 on Gordon Avenue, near 15th Street around midnight, while the second took place Aug. 31 in the 800 block of Cabell Avenue just before midnight and the third occurred on Sept. 4 in the 400 block of Rugby Road around 11 p.m., according to University Police Chief Michael Gibson.
The University and Charlottesville Police Departments have been in communication with one another during the investigation of these robberies.
“Our patrol commanders have been briefing officers on these incidents during roll call and formulating response plans for any additional incidents, [while] our Investigations Bureau is currently investigating all the cases and investigators are collaborating with each other,” CPD Public Information Officer Lt. Steve Upman said in an email statement.
Upman added that the CPD is increasing patrols around the University, as well as sharing pertinent information with University police.
UPD and CPD regularly work closely together, Benjamin Rexrode, UPD crime prevention coordinator and victim/witness assistance program coordinator, said.
“This is especially true when incidents occur near Grounds or could affect the University,” Rexrode said in an email statement. “This collaboration occurs through the sharing of vital information, but also in offering resources to assist in investigations.”
The Charlottesville Police Department was unable to comment on whether the victims were University students or if there are currently any suspects, but said the investigations for all three robberies are still active. Upman said the victims of three incidents reported that a weapon was used.
Additionally, the media releases for the three incidents describe two or three men, between 5’7” and 6’4” in height. The CPD is investigating but has not confirmed whether the same men committed the robberies.
Rexrode said the University does not normally see an increase in robberies as students return from summer.
The University area does see robberies from time to time and utilizes a coordinated approach between the Investigations Bureau, Patrol Bureau and the University Police Department, Upman said.
In regard to student safety, the University, UPD and CPD all advise students exercise caution by remaining aware of surroundings, not walking alone at night and submitting to a robber if faced with this situation. Students are advised, in the event of a robbery, to note clothing, build or other characteristics and to call 911 immediately.
In addition to student caution, Rexrode said the Ambassadors Program could assist in crime prevention through deterrence, although the ambassadors are not equipped to intervene in a dangerous situation such as a robbery.
“The ambassadors are trained to be highly visible and highly engaged within the community to promote safety and deterrence,” Rexrode said. “They are not police officers in that they do not respond or intervene in dangerous situations as they are not armed or trained to do so.”
Students also have access to the shuttle service Safe Ride, which runs after UTS has ended service for the day. Rides can be requested via Transloc OnDemand.
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