Police say that several East Stroudsburg University students were robbed Tuesday night after gunmen broke down their door and forced them to give them their valuables. Students are worried about their safety because of multiple crimes that have happened this semester.
On Tuesday night, three East Stroudsburg students were at their off-campus house on Lackawanna Avenue when four men broke down the door, according to police.
At least two of the men were armed with rifles, cops said.
They allegedly ordered the three students to the ground while they gathered up cash, computers and cell phones, before fleeing into a back alley.
Police call it the most violent year ever for the university. Since the school year began, two female students say they were raped near campus. One student walking across campus was the victim of an attempted armed robbery and there was a shooting at an off-campus party.
Local and campus police have increased patrols on and off campus. They aren't sure the reasons for the increase of violent crimes against students this year.
Students say the university is keeping them informed by sending out safety alerts. They are also finding safety in numbers.
"I stay with everyone in a group. I don't really walk alone, it is scary but there's nothing I can do about it really," said freshman Katherine Faiola.
