Police, UW increase focus on campus-area robberies

The Madison Police Department, the University of Wisconsin Police Department and the Offices of the Dean of Students are looking for the community’s assistance to help identify the perpetrators of a string of sometimes violent robberies dating back to March 2008.

UW-Madison students and staff have been the victims in several of the robberies, which could number as many as a dozen. The perpetrators typically try to steal wallets, purses, money, cell phones, and in one case, a backpack.

In several recent cases a weapon was implied, but not seen. The incidents have targeted both men and women and have occurred earlier in the night than bar-time. The suspects have been described as two black males, working together, in the 20-30 year-old age range, both possibly around 5 feet, 8 inches tall. 

Overall, robberies in Madison are not up dramatically, but the sometimes violent nature of these is of concern, says Madison Police Captain Jim Wheeler. In one incident, a UW–Madison student was pistol-whipped on Gilman Street and in a separate incident, a student was shot in the leg on Breese Terrace.

Several crimes have taken place in areas south of Regent Street, and involved victims being approached while they walked. Other robberies have targeted a campus area convenience store, a laundromat and Bascom Hill.

There have also been similar holdups reported on Randall Avenue, east of the Capitol Square on Ingersoll Street and in Fitchburg. The Fitchburg Police are also part of the investigation.

In general, the campus community is advised to use SAFE Nighttime Services, walk with friends and to always give up valuables if confronted, says UWPD Captain Steve Rogers. It is always better not to resist and risk potential injury.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam spent a recent late-night walking through the campus area and says she was pleased to see most students walking in groups and practicing safe behaviors. However, she says students should continue to lock doors and windows and use door peep-holes, if available.

Anyone with information on any of these crimes is urged to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014. Callers can remain anonymous and maybe eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Berquam is also asking students to send feedback on specific campus safety concerns to dean@odos.wisc.edu. Email will be routed to the correct office for a response.