CLERY NOTICE

University Police are seeking witnesses to a strong-arm robbery that reportedly took place about 6:30 p.m. Monday (Nov. 10) on West Virginia Universitys Downtown Campus.

The victim, a WVU student, said that a white male about 6 feet 2 inches tall with a skinny build stole her purse near Parking Area 25 near Stewart Hall, police said. The suspect was reportedly wearing a light blue hoodie with black lettering and baggy jeans.

The suspect reportedly approached the victim from behind and tapped her on the shoulder, police said. When she turned around, she was knocked to the ground and her purse was taken by force, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call University Police at 304-293-COPS.

Morgantown police are investigating another strong-arm robbery that occurred about the same time Sunday night on North Spruce Street. The victim was also a WVU student. University and Morgantown police departments are working together to see if the two cases are related.

Meantime, University Police remind students to exercise caution when walking around campus.

Police offer the following safety tips:

• When traveling on foot or in a car, pay attention to your surroundings. If you sense something is wrong, leave the area immediately.

• When traveling on foot, travel in numbers of two, three or in large groups.

• When walking alone, walk briskly and confidently. Avoid isolated areas, shortcuts and deserted parking lots.

• Avoid going to isolated ATM machines.

• If you see someone suspicious or feel you are being followed, go to a populated area or well-lit area or activate one of the 37 Blue Tower emergency phones on campus. Dont be afraid to call the police if you suspect you are being followed. It could be the prelude to a robbery.

• If you are the victim of a robbery, follow the instructions of the robber.

• Do not argue or attempt to fight with your assailant.

• Remember that the motive in most robberies is to steal, and once the perpetrators have what they want, they will leave. Comply with their requests and remember that money, jewelry and other valuables can be replaced. Never do anything or take any action that may increase your risk of being a victim of physical violence.

• If you are a victim of a robbery, you may feel helpless and wish there were something you could do. Remember that you are not helpless, and although you should not resist or do anything that might increase your risk, you can make a mental note of the description of the suspect. Try to remember what the robber looks like (height, weight, hair, skin color, facial hair, scars and tattoos). Make a mental note of what he/she was wearing (pants, shirt, jacket, shoes, etc.). If a vehicle is involved, try to get the license plate number (if safe to do so), call the police and report the incident as quickly as possible. Quick reporting and a good description may give the police the information they need to apprehend the suspect and help ensure the robber is quickly apprehended.

WVU Facilities Management, meanwhile, is currently conducting a study to see if increased lighting is needed in the area between Prospect and Willie streets.