Crime Advisory: Robberies with Abductions

We’d like all students, faculty and staff to be aware of a pattern activity of robberies with abductions occurring in the vicinity of another Philadelphia area University, outside and southwest of the Penn patrol area.

At approximately 9:30am on March 26, 2006, a complainant was parking his auto in the 4700 block of Hazel Avenue (Southwest Philly) when he was approached by three males. The males took the complainant’s car keys and Nokia Cell phone and forced him into a grey or metallic blue Lexus. The perpetrators demanded the complainant’s pin number for his ATM card and withdrew $140.00.

The perpetrators were described as a male 16-20yrs., 5’7”, dark complexion, last seen wearing a grey hoody; a male, 16-20 years, 5’7”, dark complexion, last seen wearing a grey hoody; and a third male, dark complexion, no further description provided.

At 11:30 p.m. on March 27, 2006, a complainant was approached by two males armed with a semi automatic handgun in the 5700 block of Overbrook Avenue. The perpetrators ushered the complainant into a black newer model sedan with a tan leather interior. The complainant was taken to a bank where $700 was withdrawn. The complainant was then dropped off in the area of 41st and Spring Garden. The perpetrators were described as a male, 6’0” in height, 20-25 yrs, medium to muscular build, dark complexion, wearing a bulky dark colored jacket. The second male was 5’9” to 5’11” in height.

At 10:20 p.m. on March 28, 2006, two complainants were approached by three males in the 5900 block of City Line Avenue. The perpetrators, armed with a handgun, forced the complainants into a “tan older model car.” The perpetrators drove the complainant to ATM machines and banks to withdraw money. The complainants were taken to Drexel Road and City Line Avenue and dropped off. Perpetrators were described as a male 6’2”, 190lbs, 20-25yrs, dark complexion, wearing a Yankees baseball cap; a male 5’10”, 20-25 yrs, dark complexion, wearing a blue North Carolina jacket; and a third heavy set male, dark complexion.

Though these events occurred outside of the Penn patrol boundaries it is important that all members of the Penn community exercise caution and remain vigilant when walking. You are urged to be cognizant of your surroundings, walk in pairs, do not approach vehicles to offer directions, and utilize the University's walking escort services. To request a walking escort which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 215-898-WALK. University Transit Services can also be contacted by calling 215-898-RIDE. It is also suggested to incorporate our police emergency number (215-573-3333) into the speed dialer of your cell phone. 

—University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety

Posted 3/30/06

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