For the protection and safety of SU students, faculty, staff and neighbors, the Department of Public Safety releases the following alert:
Off Campus Attempted Strong-Arm Robbery
SPD Cases #15-514535
Friday, October 23, 2015
708 Lancaster Avenue
A student reported an attempted strong arm robbery that occurred off campus. The student reports he was walking northbound in the 700 block of Lancaster Ave. when he was approached from behind by four unknown males on bicycles. One of the suspects attempted to grab the student’s cellphone from his hand. The student was then punched in the back of his head, causing him to fall to the ground, sustaining a small laceration to his hand.
The suspects fled the scene on bicycles heading north on Lancaster Ave, then east on Clarendon Street, away from campus. The student refused medical attention. There was no property stolen and no threat of a weapon.
DPS asks your help in identifying the suspects if you were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. For this purpose, the following is the description of the suspects: 4 Males, 16 years of age, all suspects had on hooded sweatshirts, one was orange, one was red and one was black, all had dark pants on, no further description.
For an interactive map of the incident location, refer to the Google Map.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident or others, please contact the Syracuse Police Department at (315) 442-5222 or the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety at (315) 443-2224.
If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.
For your safety, please remember:
- Take advantage of the CENTRO and Birnie Bus services. Taxi services are also available.
- After dark, take advantage of the free safety escort services available through the Department of Public Safety. Both walking
and shuttle services are available to students, staff, and faculty at SU or SUNY-ESF. Call 443-SAFE (7233) for more
information about these services.Walk, bike or jog in groups of three or more, away from bushes, cars, and other objects a suspect could hide behind. - Plan your walking travel times by avoiding late to early morning hours.
- Be aware of your surroundings: look and listen. Headphones and cell phones can create tunnel vision.
- Travel in well-lit and populated areas. Keep porch lights on at night.
- Download the LiveSafe app on your Android or iOS smart phone. The app provides a virtual escort feature you can use with friends and quick links to important public safety information. Set the app to Syracuse University and sign up with your syr.edu email address!
- Don’t approach strangers or let them get close to you. If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Go toward an open business or lighted house.
- Have your house or car keys in hand before you reach your door.
- Know where campus blue light alarms are and how to use them.
- If someone tries to rob you, don’t resist. Give up your property, not your life. If you are in a safe place to do so, attempt to get a description of the suspect(s) and any associated vehicles or license plate numbers.
- IMMEDIATELY report emergencies or suspicious activities, persons and vehicles.
For Public Safety dial 315-443-2224 or #78 (from a cell phone); if you are in a situation where you cannot safely make a phone call, send a text message to 711@syr.edu; for Syracuse Police, dial 911. Your quick reporting may help prevent others from becoming victims.
This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act