FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 9/21/2009) Police are investigating a rash of robberies near the University of Memphis. Neighbors are on high alert and students are walking in pairs.
Police say the suspects are targeting folks coming home at night, stealing their cash and cell phones, but leaving behind their IDs.
The crimes are happening near Spottswood and Brister, just south of the campus.
"People are really on the lookout, and really concerned about things right now," said Drew Daniel, President of the Normal Station Neighborhood Association.
Neighbors like Daniel and Lesly Keen are sharing information with each other via e-maiil about all the crime. Saturday, around midnight, three teens were robbed at gunpoint by two men dressed in black hoodies.
Thursday, just blocks away, police say an armed gunman robbed four people in two separate incidents.
Keen says neighbors noticed suspicious activity during last week's heavy downpour.
"They were coming up into the driveway looking into backyards and then going back down. A lady came out and said something, but they just kept going," she said.
Daniel speculates there's a reason this area is being targeted.
"There are a number of students here, with school back in session they might feel that students are an easy target," he said.
Police are investigating whether the latest rash of robberies are connected. If anyone has information that might help call Crimestoppers at 528-CASH.
- 3 teens robbed Saturday
- 4 people robbed in separate incidents Thursday
- No suspects in custody
(Memphis 9/21/2009) Police are investigating a rash of robberies near the University of Memphis. Neighbors are on high alert and students are walking in pairs.
Police say the suspects are targeting folks coming home at night, stealing their cash and cell phones, but leaving behind their IDs.
The crimes are happening near Spottswood and Brister, just south of the campus.
"People are really on the lookout, and really concerned about things right now," said Drew Daniel, President of the Normal Station Neighborhood Association.
Neighbors like Daniel and Lesly Keen are sharing information with each other via e-maiil about all the crime. Saturday, around midnight, three teens were robbed at gunpoint by two men dressed in black hoodies.
Thursday, just blocks away, police say an armed gunman robbed four people in two separate incidents.
Keen says neighbors noticed suspicious activity during last week's heavy downpour.
"They were coming up into the driveway looking into backyards and then going back down. A lady came out and said something, but they just kept going," she said.
Daniel speculates there's a reason this area is being targeted.
"There are a number of students here, with school back in session they might feel that students are an easy target," he said.
Police are investigating whether the latest rash of robberies are connected. If anyone has information that might help call Crimestoppers at 528-CASH.
