February 26, 2016

Loyola Community,

The Department of Campus Safety is writing to notify you of two incidents (a battery and strong-armed robbery) that occurred early this morning in Rogers Park.

Two Loyola students reported that at approximately 1:30 a.m., they were approached by a group of five to seven males in the 1200 block of W. Arthur Avenue. The students were knocked to the ground and struck by the offenders. Nothing was stolen, and the offenders then fled southbound on N. Lakewood Avenue. The students did not require medical treatment.

At approximately 2:54 a.m., a patrolling Campus Safety officer located a non-Loyola-affiliated individual who reported that he had been approached by a group of five to six males in the 1300 block of W. Albion Avenue. The group reportedly knocked him to the ground, struck him, and stole his glasses and wallet.

Limited details on the offenders are available at this time. In both instances, the offenders are described as male, ages 18 to 22, and wearing dark-hooded sweatshirts. More specific information is available for the second incident, and according to the Chicago Police Department two of the offenders are described as male, black. If more descriptions become available, we will update this alert on the Campus Safety website.

If anyone has information on these incidents, please call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263.

Please also keep the following safety tips in mind:

• If a person threatens you, follow their demands and run away as soon as it is safe to do so. Once in a safe place, immediately notify Campus Safety or the Chicago Police Department.
• Investigative follow-up will be dependent on the amount of detail a person can recall. It is important to remember as many identifying characteristics about the offender(s) as possible. This can include physical characteristics of the person, their clothing, any weapons used, direction of flight, etc.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Please use the University's 8-RIDE program, or call Campus Safety after hours.
• When possible, avoid walking alone at night. Walk or jog in well-lit areas and stay away from alleys.
• Refrain from using headphones or talking on the phone, as this minimizes your ability to hear an approaching threat. It also advertises to a would-be thief that you may have a desirable item to steal.

Sincerely,

Joe Bogdalek
Deputy Chief, Campus Safety