Police seek info on Monday robberies

Madison and UW Police are investigating three Monday, Feb. 18 strong-arm robberies downtown that may be connected. All three incidents occurred near the UW campus and involved stealing electronics from pedestrians.

The first happened around 9:40 p.m. in the 400 block of W. Dayton St. According to police, a 20-year-old woman was walking when a dark-colored car pulled up in front of her. A man got out of the car, approached the victim, took her cellphone away from her, jumped into the passenger side of the car and left the scene.

The second incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the 1300 block of Milton Street. Police say a 20-year-old man was walking on Milton St. when he noticed a dark-colored car slowly drive by and stop in front of him. Two people jumped out of the car. One man held down the victim, while the other man took the victim’s cell phone and another electronic item.

The third robbery took place after 11 p.m. in the 400 block of S. Randall St. Police say a 20-year-old man was walking down Randall when he observed a dark-colored car parked on the side of the road. As the victim walked past the car, two men got out and began to follow him. Once the men caught up to the victim, one of them restrained him and threw him onto the ground while the other man took a laptop from him.

No injuries were reported by any of the victims. No weapons were displayed.

Police are looking for two black men, both around six feet tall, weighing 180 pounds. In two of the incidents, one of the men is described as having long, braided hair and wearing dark clothing.

Police are asking residents to 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 in order 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 by calling 608-262-5000 or visting this website.

If you have information on these crimes, call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014. If you are a victim of a robbery, call 911 immediately.