WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- An armed robbery was reported early Monday morning on the campus of Purdue University.
The robbery was reported around 4 a.m., on the 400 block of W. Wood Street, on the south side of Hawkins Hall.
Purdue police are investigating. Nobody was injured.
Students are told to avoid the area.
Purdue offers the following safety tips for students:
- Travel well-lighted, busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door, and remember to be alert to what and who is around you. Glance under your car, around it and in the back seat as you get in.
- Be alert and aware. Pay full attention to who is around you when you are in public. Avoid text messaging and talking on the phone if you do not absolutely need to use the phone.
- Beware of "Apple picking." Be alert when using, or simply carrying, your smart phone -- including iPhones and Android phones -- especially after dark. There is a market for stolen smart phones and you could become a victim of a robbery. If you do not need to use the phone, keep it secured and out of sight.
- Avoid displaying and carrying large sums of money in public. Only carry the credit cards you need.
- Be careful with purses or wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, but do not loop or wrap straps around you. A purse snatcher could injure you. Keep wallets in an inside pocket.
- There's safety in numbers. Don't make yourself an easy target. If you must be out at night, arrange to go to class, do errands or go shopping with a friend or two.
- Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
- Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Purdue University Police Department at 9-1-1.
- Know the locations of the Emergency Telephone System throughout campus. These ETS phones provide direct communications with the Purdue University Police Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
- If you are confronted, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what he/she asks for -- wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Don't make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call police immediately.
