An increase in armed robbery and battery crimes during the summer has members of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee community wary of their surroundings and exercising caution at night.

During the month of August alone, 15 different incidents of strong armed robbery or substantial battery have been reported in the UWM area, according to the UW-Milwaukee Police Department website.

“We’ve got extra patrol out right now,” said Detective Sergeant Koch of the UWM Police Department. “The concern of campus police is that students are as safe as they can be.”

The most recent reported incident involved a battery on the 3900 block of Murray Ave. in Shorewood. After refusing to give three or four men cigarettes, a man was assaulted about 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23.

Other occurrences during the month of August included a man being attacked and beaten on his porch, an attempted carjacking with a screwdriver, a UWM student being assaulted by a group of 10 males, and numerous cases of wallet and cell phone theft.

Dan Nelson, delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza on Oakland Avenue, was the victim of robbery and assault during the early morning hours of Aug. 17. The attack occurred outside Domino’s as Nelson tried to deliver a pizza on foot because his destination was only a block away from the store.

“I heard somebody running behind me, I thought it was some drunk kid running home,” said Nelson, 22. “Then I just got clocked in the face.”

Nelson was struck in the eye by one man and both criminals aided in taking his hat and two pizzas. Domino’s is offering up to $500 for information leading to an arrest.

As the robberies have become more frequent, law enforcement is still making progress on preventing such crime. On Saturday, Aug. 4, Milwaukee Police detained three suspects who were involved in robberies the previous night. The suspects reportedly jumped out of their SUV and assaulted victims before robbing them in a series of three muggings. UWM Police advise residents to be careful late at night, especially when walking alone. They also recommend that, in the case of being confronted by someone asking for your money or valuables, you should stay calm and obey their instructions for your own safety.

“Use B.O.S.S., walk in a group, stay sober, just be alert on the street,” said Koch. “Don’t try to be out late if you don’t have to be.”

If you are in a dangerous situation on campus, dial 911 from a campus phone or call 414-229-9911 to get in contact with a dispatcher immediately.

> Comments