Eight armed robberies within a month have Statesboro Police joining forces with Georgia Southern University Police in effort to end the robberies and put the men responsible behind bars.
There have been eight armed robbery incidents since March 20 at various locations around Georgia Southern University, said Statesboro Police Capt. Scott Brunson. Some incidents involve one black male; others involved a team of two men.
The first reported armed robbery Brunson said is linked to the others took place March 20. Two armed robbery incidents occurred March 28, with the next reported incident occurring April 6.
More armed robbery incidents were reported April 13, 14, 16 and 19, he said.
Thursday, around 8:30 p.m., a man was robbed by two men at Eagle’s Landings of $130. Sunday, a man was robbed at College Walk Apartments around 10:45 p.m., when a black male held him at gunpoint and took his wallet (containing $105), his cell phone and keys, reports stated.
Three of the victims were pizza delivery drivers. In many of the armed robberies, one of the suspects asked either for a cigarette or change for a large bill, according to police incident reports.
The robberies occurred mainly at night or into the wee hours of the morning — from as early as 5 a.m. to around 8:30 p.m., Brunson said.
The robberies have occurred off campus, but since the incidents are taking place so close to the university and students have been involved, “ we are working closely with GSU Police in the apprehension of these folks,” he said. “GSU has committed personnel and resources in this investigation.”
While the Statesboro Police Department is facing slight reduction in force due to recent city furloughs coming into effect, GSU Police Chief Ken Brown said his officers will fill in and assist to help ensure there is additional law enforcement protection in the area.
“We’re putting extra patrol out and have been ( over the past few weeks),” he said. “The city and I have formed a joint task force. We’re all struggling with layoffs and furloughs, but we just have to do what we have to do to put the people out there to catch (the armed robbery suspects).”
Brown said overtime isn’t an issue — if that is what it takes to solve the crimes, his guys will be out en force to help Statesboro City Police end the rash of armed robberies.
“We’re going to do what we have to do to make sure our students are safe,” he said.
The investigation, which has been ongoing since the first incident March 20, has stepped up with the surge of similar robberies.
“We are combining efforts with GSU and hopefully we can locate these individuals,” said Statesboro Police Chief Stan York. “We are actively investigating and asked GSU to assist us.”
York warns students and others in the areas surrounding the university to “ be aware of your surroundings” and avoid being alone late at night in secluded areas. He advised watching out for strangers who may approach and “ just be very cautious.”
Calling attention to yourself if approached by someone you do not know is a good idea, but “Don’t do anything crazy,” he said.
If you find yourself a victim, York advises remaining calm, trying to memorize as may details as possible and “call us as soon as you can.”
So far, no one has been injured during the robberies, he said, but urged citizens to be mindful of that possibility.
Brunson said anyone with information regarding the armed robberies should contact him at (912) 764-9911 or the GSU Police at (912) 478-5234.
There have been eight armed robbery incidents since March 20 at various locations around Georgia Southern University, said Statesboro Police Capt. Scott Brunson. Some incidents involve one black male; others involved a team of two men.
The first reported armed robbery Brunson said is linked to the others took place March 20. Two armed robbery incidents occurred March 28, with the next reported incident occurring April 6.
More armed robbery incidents were reported April 13, 14, 16 and 19, he said.
Thursday, around 8:30 p.m., a man was robbed by two men at Eagle’s Landings of $130. Sunday, a man was robbed at College Walk Apartments around 10:45 p.m., when a black male held him at gunpoint and took his wallet (containing $105), his cell phone and keys, reports stated.
Three of the victims were pizza delivery drivers. In many of the armed robberies, one of the suspects asked either for a cigarette or change for a large bill, according to police incident reports.
The robberies occurred mainly at night or into the wee hours of the morning — from as early as 5 a.m. to around 8:30 p.m., Brunson said.
The robberies have occurred off campus, but since the incidents are taking place so close to the university and students have been involved, “ we are working closely with GSU Police in the apprehension of these folks,” he said. “GSU has committed personnel and resources in this investigation.”
While the Statesboro Police Department is facing slight reduction in force due to recent city furloughs coming into effect, GSU Police Chief Ken Brown said his officers will fill in and assist to help ensure there is additional law enforcement protection in the area.
“We’re putting extra patrol out and have been ( over the past few weeks),” he said. “The city and I have formed a joint task force. We’re all struggling with layoffs and furloughs, but we just have to do what we have to do to put the people out there to catch (the armed robbery suspects).”
Brown said overtime isn’t an issue — if that is what it takes to solve the crimes, his guys will be out en force to help Statesboro City Police end the rash of armed robberies.
“We’re going to do what we have to do to make sure our students are safe,” he said.
The investigation, which has been ongoing since the first incident March 20, has stepped up with the surge of similar robberies.
“We are combining efforts with GSU and hopefully we can locate these individuals,” said Statesboro Police Chief Stan York. “We are actively investigating and asked GSU to assist us.”
York warns students and others in the areas surrounding the university to “ be aware of your surroundings” and avoid being alone late at night in secluded areas. He advised watching out for strangers who may approach and “ just be very cautious.”
Calling attention to yourself if approached by someone you do not know is a good idea, but “Don’t do anything crazy,” he said.
If you find yourself a victim, York advises remaining calm, trying to memorize as may details as possible and “call us as soon as you can.”
So far, no one has been injured during the robberies, he said, but urged citizens to be mindful of that possibility.
Brunson said anyone with information regarding the armed robberies should contact him at (912) 764-9911 or the GSU Police at (912) 478-5234.