Courtesy of rochester.edu
Two UR graduate students were victims of an armed robbery in the University Park Apartments just south of the UR Medical Center and across from the Southside Living Center on Sunday, Jan. 20 — the first reported robbery on campus in 19 months, according to an email sent to students by UR President Joel Seligman on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m., with the intruders entering through the front door of the apartment. One student was told to place electronic devices in a suitcase while the other student was told to lie on the floor.
Both complied with the intruders’ demands and neither were injured. A police investigation is ongoing, although no suspect has currently been identified.
Security patrols in the area have been increased, according to an email alerting students about the incident. UR currently has 130 Security staff members and 195 blue light phones on campus.
Seligman’s email was also prompted by Monday night’s activation of UR’s University-wide AlertUR system, which warned the University community on Monday, Jan. 21 at approximately 8:15 p.m. of a police investigation in the 1100 block of South Plymouth Avenue, north of the Riverview Apartments. The message told the University community to “stay away from the area” and “seek shelter.” At about 10:45 p.m., the system informed the community that the incident had concluded and to “resume normal activities.” The Rochester Police Department determined the threat to be a hoax, according to Seligman’s email.
Seligman also wrote that in light of these incidents and a series of similar ones near the Eastman School of Music, UR is engaged in a review of Security patrols and procedures.
“Our crime prevention officers and senior Security staff regularly meet with University groups, and they will meet with several groups this week,” the email stated.
A prior review in 2011 of Security operations resulted in University-backed legislation commencing UR’s sworn officer training program. Seligman also stated that the review “reaffirmed that the University’s campuses are safe places, but ‘safe’ never means ‘absolutely safe’” and urged the University community to “remain vigilant” and take normal precautions.
Buletti is a member of the class of 2013.
