A Warning Before You Venture Into Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA — No one has been injured, but eight people have been terrorized in six different robberies in North Berkeley since mid-November. As a result of these cases, the Berkeley Police Department is increasing patrols in the area.

Police are encouraging residents to pay attention to their surroundings following the robberies.

Based on the descriptions of the suspects and the geographic proximity of the crime scenes, detectives believe that the cases are related.

Recent crimes:

1. On 11/15/16 at 11:36 p.m., a 24 year old male victim was reportedly robbed via strong arm of his cellphone while walking on the 1500 block of Oxford Street. The suspects were described as two adult males, 5'8 to 5'10.
2. On 11/22/16 at 11:20 p.m., a 17 year old male victim (a UC Berkeley student) was walking alone in the area of Bowditch Street and Dwight Way. The suspects snuck up on the victim and one of them brandished him with a knife while demanding his property. The victim gave the suspects his backpack and its contents. The victim described the suspects as three male adults, 5'8 with no further description.
3. On 11/25/16 at 7:38 p.m., the 24 and 26 year old victims were approached by two suspects described as adult males between 20-30 years old and another about 20 years old. When they were within arm’s reach of the victims the suspects simultaneously grabbed their purses. Both victims managed to hang on to their property during the struggle. The suspects gave up and ran to a waiting vehicle.
4. On 12/1/16 at 8:32 p.m., a 27 year old male victim was walking in the area of Virginia and Arch streets when he was approached by two suspects. One of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. With property in hand, the suspects fled eastbound on Virginia Street. The armed suspect was described as a male with his face covered.
5. On 12/2/16 at 10:53 p.m., the victim 27, was walking home when he was approached by two suspects. One was described as male adult, 5'8, and the other as an adult male 5'10, with a slender build. The armed suspect demanded the victim’s backpack and they then fled southbound on Walnut Street in an unknown make vehicle. The car was stopped later in the City of San Francisco and an arrest made in the case. The victim’s property and the weapon were not recovered. Despite the arrest, detectives believe that both suspects remain at large.
6. On 12/5/16 at 7:13 p.m., a couple were approached by the suspects near the intersection of Spruce and Virginia streets and robbed. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and demanded their phones and backpacks. Once they had the victims' possessions the suspects fled east bound on Virginia Street. The suspects were described as male adults, in their 20s to 30s.

Safety Tips

Residents are encouraged to follow these safety tips when walking at night:

• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Travel in groups whenever possible
• Consider putting your smart phone in a pocket while in transit
• If you must be on the phone, consider using one earphone/bud
• Attempt to travel in well lighted, highly populated areas whenever possible

If you have any information regarding these cases, contact the BPD Robbery Detail at (510)981-5742. For crimes in progress, call 9-1-1 or (510) 981-5911 from your cell phone.

—Image via Shutterstock

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