To the Members of the Yale Community:
Consistent with federal reporting requirements and in order to increase awareness of personal safety, I write to let you that a graduate student was the victim of a robbery at the corner of Church and Center Streets at 5:30 AM on Saturday, September 29. He was approached from behind by three males wearing black hooded sweatshirts who demanded money. Fortunately, the student was not hurt during the incident.
Also on September 29, in the evening, there was an aggressive panhandling incident that occurred at approximately 9:00 PM. A graduate student was at the corner of College and Wall Streets when she was approached by a woman asking for money. When the student took money from her wallet, the woman held her wrist and grabbed the money from her hand. The woman who took the money is approximately 5'2" tall, has dark acne marks on face, and was wearing loose pants or skirt and a red turban. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
In addition, later that evening, two undergraduates were walking on Howard Ave. and Spring Street at approximately 11:15 PM when they were surrounded by a group of four or five males, approximately 13-15 years of age, all 5'5" tall or shorter, one wearing a white long sleeve shirt. The group assaulted the students with plastic milk crates while demanding their wallets. The students were treated for lacerations resulting from the assault.
Anyone having information about these incidents should call the Yale Police. I reiterate my request that you use the University escort service or transportation system and not walk alone, or even in pairs during late night hours. If you should witness suspicious activity, please report it immediately to the police at 432-4400. Timely reports help tremendously in solving cases and deterring crime.
Sincerely,