Madison police seek information on downtown robberies

In the wake of several robberies across the Madison community, the University of Wisconsin Police Department and Madison Police Department are again reminding students to watch out for one another, especially at night.

Madison police officers have been investigating opportunistic robberies or muggings occurring in the city. Click here for more information.

Suspects are described as groups of two or more African American males in their mid-teens to mid-20s, typically targeting a lone victim and asking him or her a distracting question (e.g. “Do you have a cigarette?”).

Consider the following safety tips:

• Watch out for your friends and neighbors, and take care of one another. Make sure everyone gets home safely.
• Always walk with a group of friends, especially at night.
• If you intend to drink, do so in moderation so as not to put yourself in a position of increased risk.
• Always maintain situational awareness – know where you are and the environment you are in.  
• Consider your options in the case of an emergency. Walk in well-lit areas when possible. Avoid walking through alleys.
• Carry a cell phone for emergency, but don’t “advertise” an expensive cell phone. Activate GPS tracking capabilities on your smart phone.
• Trust your senses. If your surroundings feel unsafe, attempt to avoid. Locate other pedestrians nearby or move out of the area.
• Make use of SAFE Nighttime Services, (608) 262-5000.

If you have information on these crimes, call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 266-6014. If you are a victim of a robbery, call 911 immediately.