Robberies Near Washington University Prompt Safety Alert

People who spend time near Washington University's Danforth Campus are being advised to take caution after a series of recent off-campus robberies and robbery attempts.

Most recently, two incidents happened at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood, the school stated in an email.

"The robberies have ranged from the 6000 and 6100 blocks of Pershing, Kingsbury and Waterman and the 300 block of Rosedale in the Skinker-DeBaliviere Neighborhood to areas north of Delmar on Eastgate near Cates and Westgate near Enright," the email states. "They have taken place between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., with most occurring after 1 a.m."

A victim was hit with a tennis racket in one of the Sunday incidents, the email states. It marked the first time a weapon has been used in these cases, some of which appear to be connected.

Other incidents have involved cellphones, keys, purses and cash being taken or demanded from students as they walked on sidewalks, in alleys and between buildings.

The suspects have been described as slender black men approximately 18 to 20 years old and approximately 6 feet tall, the release states. Two vehicles have been identified, one a black four-door GMC Yukon-type vehicle with tinted windows and the other a dark or navy four-door compact.

Police departments for Washington University, University City and St. Louis City are maintaining extra patrols in the area and looking for suspects.

Students are encouraged to consider using the university's Campus2Home Shuttle Service and to take the following precautions:

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially after dark

• Always choose a well-lit path

• Carry a whistle in case it becomes necessary to summon help

• Be aware of your surroundings and move quickly to a populated area if you suspect you are being followed.

• Exercise caution if someone approaches your vehicle to ask for information