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Robbery alert issued in south Minneapolis
Minneapolis police are looking for suspects in nine robberies since September fourth. All of them happened on the city's south side and some of the victims were robbed at gunpoint. One victim says, "It was over almost before I realized what was going on." It was like a shiver had run through his warm, friendly neighborhood He doesn't want to be identified but on September 23rd he says, "Tuesday evening I was walking home from the bus [at] six o'clock. It was a rainy evening so it was a little darker and I noticed footsteps behind me as I approached where I live." This man, who lives on the 49 hundred block of Park Avenue, was robbed at gunpoint by a young man. He says, "It took me a second to realize what was going on. He pulled out a revolver, kind of waved it at me." The suspect demanded his briefcase and wallet. He handed them over. Minneapolis police say most of these robberies of people on the street have occurred in the area from East 42nd Street to East 56th Street, from Portland Avenue over to Elliot Avenue. Most of the robberies, five at gunpoint, have been happening between 4:45 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. No one has been injured. But the descriptions for the suspects vary greatly. They have either been men or women, some are white some are black and one was Hispanic. Some of the suspects were by themselves, others were in pairs. This victim says, "I personally will be a little more aware of who's around me as I'm walking around." As he alerts his neighbors, Minneapolis Police offer this advice. Be aware of your surroundings, especially near garages, around cars or by bus stops. Report suspicious people who are loitering to 9-1-1. If you see someone loitering in your alley, keep going. Don't stop until they are gone. If they don't leave, go to a neighbor's house and call 9-1-1. Avoid parking in secluded, poorly lit areas. Leave space between your car and the vehicle in front and behind so there's no where for someone to hide. Use lighting on your front entryway and motion detection lights in the back of your house and near the garage. Walk with a friend, if possible. Use the most direct routes. Look confident and purposeful. Carry your keys and money in your pocket, not a wallet or purse. Become familiar with businesses that are open late. Don't feel obligated to respond if someone asks you for the time, directions, money or anything else. If someone is following you in a car, turn and walk the opposite direction, getting the license plate and description if possible. Then call 9-1-1. If someone is following you on foot, turn around and let the person know you see them. Then immediately cross the street and get away. This victim says, "My wife grew up in the house we live in and we are here to stay. So I am past being scared to being determined here about pushing back on this kind of stuff because this neighborhood and our city are worth fighting for." Minneapolis Police are hosting a personal safety workshop at Washburn High School, 201 W. 49th Street, on Thursday, October 16th from 7 to 9 pm. Call Crime Prevention Specialist Amy Lavender at 612-673-5407 for more information.
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