Tuscaloosa Robberies Increase

Students at the University of Alabama are opening their Crimson emails to find increasing reports of off campus robberies and attempted robberies. In the past week, students have been notified of three attempted robberies and one successful robbery. These reported events occurred between a time span of 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and were not concentrated in one area.

The first reported incident occurred on February 5 at 8:20 p.m. at Sherrill Plaza Apartments. Two suspects approached the victim with a handgun, demanding money. As this attempt was unsuccessful, the suspects then forced their way into a second victim’s apartment, stealing a phone and credit card.

“These events aren’t happening while people should be at home in bed. People are still out and about doing things,” said Claire Vines, a sophomore at the University of Alabama.

Some students like Claire Craig who reside in dorms “feel safer living on campus” because there is more security. UAPD patrols campus, and students must swipe their Action Card to enter their residential building.

The second incident occurred on February 9 at 2 a.m. near the 1200 block of 14th ave. The victim was grabbed from behind as the suspect attempted to locate valuables.

Many students take precautionary measures to ensure their safety. Peter Bazianos, a junior at UA, tries not to walk anywhere, “especially not alone.” Bazianos tries to drive off campus, or have other people drive him.

Mary Hannah Miller, a sophomore at UA, takes interesting precautionary measures. “I carry my keys so that they’re sticking out of my knuckles, so that if i have to punch somebody I can,” said Miller. She learned of this defense mechanism online.

The third incident occurred on February 11 at midnight in a parking lot near Roanoke apartments on Thomas Street. Suspects approached the victim’s car and demanded valuables but did not present any weapons and did not get away with any property.

Suspects of all attempted or successful robberies were reported as male. “I feel more of a target as a girl because I think men perceive us as a weaker race,” said Jessica Little, a sophomore at UA.

The University of Alabama reminds students to be aware of their surroundings and be mindful of any valuables they carry. The University also indicates that emails are sent in the interest of public safety.