Fears were on the rise during finals time at Temple University as three separate robberies targeted students Monday afternoon.
The three attacks, which could be connected, happened between 12:30 and 1:15 in broad daylight, police said.
- 12:30 p.m. at 1500 W. Dauphin Street
- 1 p.m. at 1300 W. Dauphin Street
- 1:15 p.m. at 1500 W. Norris Street
In each case two men -- one with a silver handgun -- held up the students.
Luckily no one was injured, according to a Temple University advisory.
The first robber was described as a light-complexion black male between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot-2, full beard wearing a gray hoodie with a dark puffy vest over top. The second robber was described as a dark-complexion black male about 5-foot-5 with a dark puffy coat.
These attacks came just days after an off-campus robbery where students inside a house on the 1700 block of N Gratz Street were robbed early Friday morning. In that case, two men -- one carrying a gun -- allegedly held up five students.
In wake of the recent attacks students have started a Facebook page "Eyes Around Temple" where students are urging each other to be aware of their surroundings.
The University is also suggesting students to take precautions:
Walk with others whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using distracting devices like cell phones and iPods while walking.
Avoid dark or hidden walkways and the temptation to use shortcuts and informal pathways.
Take advantage of the Owloop and TUr Door services. The Owloop is available from dusk to dawn for on-campus transportation, as well as TUr Door for those living just off the campus. More information can be found on the Campus Safety Services website at http://www.temple.edu/safety.
If you see anyone fitting these descriptions, call the City of Philadelphia Police immediately by dialing 911 or if on campus, call Temple Police by dialing 1-1234 from a campus phone or 215-204-1234 from a non-campus phone.
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