West Virginia University Police are seeking witnesses to a robbery that was reported to have occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 20) at the Life Science Building on the sidewalk near Campus Drive.

The victim reported that she was approached from behind by a male wearing a dark blue hoodie and sweat pants who grabbed her iPod and ran in the direction of Summit Hall. The suspect was not armed and the victim was not injured. The victim could not provide a more detailed description. UPD is asking that anyone who may have witnessed this incident to call the WVU Police at 304.293.2677 or 304.293.COPS and contact Lt. Bob Tucker.

WVU Police offer the following tips:

  • When traveling on foot or in a car pay attention to your surroundings. Leave the area immediately if you sense something wrong.
  • When traveling at night on foot, travel in numbers of two, three or in large groups.
  • When out walking alone, walk briskly and confidently. Avoid isolated areas, short cuts and deserted parking lots.
  • Avoid going to ATM machines after dark.
  • If you see someone suspicious or feel you are being followed, go to a populated or well-lighted area or activate one of the 37 Blue Tower Emergency Phones located on campus. Don’t 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 perpetrator has what they want they will leave, and that is exactly what you want them to do. 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 totally helpless, and may wish there were something you could do, and there is.

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 or tattoos) Make a mental note of clothing (pants, shirt, jacket, shoes, etc.) If a vehicle is involved try to get the license number (if safe to do so) and call the police and report the incident as quickly as possible.

Quick reporting and a good description may give the police the information needed to quickly apprehend.

-WVU-

upd/02/21/12

CONTACT: Lt. Bob Tucker/University Police
304.293.2677

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.