In the past several weeks, Be On the Look Out reports from Loyola and Tulane’s University Police have been flooding our e-mail inboxes. In the month of November, they’ve issued six BOLOs, four of which detail incidents occurring within the past week.
On Nov. 12, UP released a BOLO from the New Orleans Police Department that contained information about two related robberies occurring within hours of each other. The first robbery took place at the intersection of Maple and Pine streets, when someone robbed a male victim at gunpoint. The perpetrator fled the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of money. The second robbery occurred a few hours later on the 1300 block of Broadway. A male and female fell victim to another armed robbery at gunpoint, and once again, the perpetrator fled from the scene.
On Nov. 12, University Police released a BOLO from Tulane’s UP detailing a robbery that occurred at 11:37 p.m. on Nov. 9. The victims parked their car on the 7200 block of Willow Street and noticed the suspect’s vehicle parked behind them.
The suspect exited his car then asked the victims for a cigarette.
After receiving a cigarette, the suspect implied that he had a gun, then proceeded to rob the victims.
On Nov. 14, University Police released a BOLO from the New Orleans Police Department warning students of a mugging that occurred at 8:15 p.m. the night before at the intersection of Plum and Lowerline streets, seven blocks away from the university.
The perpetrator got out of his vehicle and demanded that the victim empty his pockets. The victim cooperated, and the perpetrator returned to his vehicle and drove away.
According to a crime statistic report released by the City of New Orleans, both violent and non-violent crime is up 59 percent to 4,620 since last year.
With the recent influx in crime in New Orleans, no area is safe, not even the “Uptown bubble.” Uptown neighborhoods are particularly susceptible to robbers targeting intoxicated students walking back from bars late at night.
Don’t be naive enough to assume that you can walk around by yourself at 4 a.m. and be perfectly safe.
UP offers the following crime prevention tips on its Web site:
Travel in groups, avoid walking at night in dimly lit areas, and take taxis when they are available.
You should never resist armed robbers.
If you are the victim of an armed robbery or any violent crime, contact either University Police or the New Orleans Police Department.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and most importantly, take care of yourself.
