UPennAlert

Robbery without Weapon

On Sunday, October 6, Penn Police responded to a report of robbery in the 3600 block of Walnut Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspect had demanded the complainant’s headphones, then fled northbound from the scene.

The suspect was described as a Black male in his 20s, 5’6″-5’9″, thin build, wearing a white tee shirt, black pants, and riding a bicycle.

Police and security are patrolling the area.

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UPDATE: All clear in the area of 3600 Walnut Street. You may resume usual activity. Police and security are patrolling the area.

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UPennAlert: Robbery without weapon in the 3600 block of Walnut Street. Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his 20s, 5’6″-5’9″, thin build, wearing a white tee shirt, black pants, and riding a bicycle.

The suspect was last seen heading north on 36th towards Walnut Street.

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The Division of Public Safety has developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below. Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime.

  • Stay out of immediate area.
  • Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
  • Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
  • Utilize 24/7/365 Walking Escort services (215-898-WALK/9255).
  • Only carry necessary documents.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight.
  • Be respectful of those involved in the incident.
  • If you believe you see the described suspect, do not engage – call 215-573-3333.

The Division of Public Safety will continue to ensure the highest level of safety and security for our community.

Emergencies 215-573-3333 / 511 (campus phone)
General Information 215-898-7297
Special Services 215-898-4481 (215-898-6600 off-hours)
HELP Line 215-898-HELP (4357)
DPS Headquarters 4040 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Walking Escort 215-898-WALK (9255)
Penn Transit Ride 215-898-RIDE (7433)

Safety Strategies: Walk/Ride/Drive Smart

Please follow the rules of the road and stay off sidewalks and University Walks when riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other personal mobility devices.

• Be mindful of other riders, vehicles, and always yield to pedestrians.

• Store your devices outside of buildings, away from entrances, and secured with a U-lock to a bike rack.

• Lock your device with a key if possible.

• Always wear a helmet.

 

Register your ride with CampusExpress!

Tips for Bicyclists

  • Use reflectors, reflective tape, or similar devices on cycling shoes, fenders, belts, frames, pedals and handlebars.
  • Keep to the right. Ride with traffic, not against it. By law, a bi cycle is a vehicle and must obey traffic laws.
  • Use hand signals to indicate turning or stopping.
  • Ride defensively.
  • Use bike paths or bike lanes whenever possible.
  • Walk your bicycle across busy intersections.
  • Never race on public space.
  • Avoid riding in bad weather.
  • Avoid riding on trolley tracks.
  • Perform regular maintenance checks.
  • Wear appropriate clothing.
  • Park your bike in an open, well-lit, frequently traveled area.
  • Secure it properly with recommended chains and locks.
  • Use bicycle racks, which are strategically located on campus.
  • Register your bike with CampusExpress.
  • DO not lock your bike onto trees or railings.
  • Report any suspicious behavior you see around the bicycle racks.

University Bicycle Policy

NOTE: On public streets and campus paths, bicycles are vehicles and must comply with traffic laws. Cyclists and pedestrians share common University paths. To prevent injuries, common sense and courtesy are key. Bicycles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Pedestrian traffic is especially heavy on Locust Walk. As a result, the University has instituted the following policy: Between 8:30am and 5:30pm, Monday – Friday, bike riding is prohibited on the following walkways: Locust Walk, Hamilton Walk, Women’s Walk and Smith Walk. Bicyclists are required to walk their bicycles over the Locust Walk, Walnut Street, Paley and Weave footbridges (emergency personnel exempt).

Penn Bike Well

Penn Bike Well Site

Video on Bike Helmet Awareness by James Cracknell:

A personal appeal: Use your head. Use your helmet.

Tips for Motorists

  • Exercise caution when entering or leaving your car, especially in parking lots and garages.
  • Keep windows up, doors locked, and keep your purse and other valuables in your trunk.
  • Intersections and stoplights are common places for would-be attackers. Keep one car length between your auto and the auto in front of you. This gives you an escape route. Keep your car in gear, and if threatened, blow the horn in short repeated blasts and drive away.
  • If you have car trouble, raise the hood and remain in the car with doors locked. If strangers stop, ask them to report your predicament to the police, but do not encourage their assistance.
    Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • Never leave your auto registration, credit cards, and other important papers in the glove compartment.
  • Use auto theft prevention tools.
  • Do not mark your key chain with your name, address, and license number. Lost keys can lead a thief to your car.

A reminder: Parking on campus is restricted. Illegally parked cars will be towed. To obtain a Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit, Operator’s License or the Pennsylvania Drivers’ Manual, contact the Licensing Bureau of the Pennsylvania State Police, 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-560-2398.

Tips for Pedestrians

  • Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
  • Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
  • Keep alert at all times.
  • Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.

Safety Tips for Micromobility Devices

Micromobility devices include scooters and e-scooters, skateboards and e-skateboards, bicycles and e-bikes, mono-wheels, and more. 

Wear your helmet, every time.

Slow down.

Park responsibly. Do not block egress or handrails. Always use a u-lock.

Practice good judgement.

Know how to operate your vehicle, practice for safety!

Scooter Safety!

Visit our scooter safety page!

  • Wear a helmet
  • Yield to Pedestrians
  • Stay off sidewalks
  • Use a bike rack and u-lock to secure
  • Ride in bike lanes
  • One rider per scooter
  • Obey traffic laws
  • Register your ride with CampusExpress

FIRE SAFETY

In line with the City of Philadelphia code, e-scooters, bicycles, and other micromobility devices are not permitted inside of Penn Buildings due to fire safety and emergency egress concerns.