MPD seeks info on downtown robberies

Madison police are investigating three weekend strong-arm robberies downtown that may be connected.

The incidents occurred in the early morning hours Sunday in downtown Madison, near the UW–Madison campus.

Madison police said the first robbery occurred at about 1:40 a.m. Sunday in the 10 block of North Mills Street.

The victim, a 19-year-old Madison woman, was walking with a group of other people when four or five men approached the group, according to police. One of the men grabbed the victim’s phone from her hand. She was not injured, but a 19-year-old male companion of the victim was punched in the face, suffering a minor facial injury, police said.

Police said the men got into an older, dark-colored, boxy-style vehicle and fled the area.

Police said the second incident occurred at about 4:45 a.m. Sunday at 100 North Park St. A 20-year-old Madison woman was walking on North Park Street between Spring Street and Fahrenbrook Court when one of the suspects approached her from behind.

Police said the man threatened to shoot the victim if she didn’t give him her phone. The man grabbed the victim’s phone, police said. No weapon was displayed and the woman wasn’t injured.

Police said the third strong-arm robbery occurred at about 4:47 a.m. Sunday when two men were walking in the 1300 block of Regent Street. A group of three men approached them. One of the victims was grabbed from behind, and his wallet was taken. No one was injured.

Consider the following personal safety information:

Everyone has the right to safely live and work in the Madison community. Respect one another and know that acts of violence have consequences.
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.
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, http://transportation.wisc.edu/transportation/safeservices.aspx
Learn more about local self-defense classes: http://www.danecountyrcc.org/chimera/

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.