Aug. 1, 2017 – Police are investigating two armed robberies, including a robbery and assault reported in the quad area of the University of Redlands campus shortly before 11 p.m. Monday, July 31, and another in downtown Redlands on Sunday.

The victims in Monday’s robbery, a 20-year-old male and 21-year-old female, were on the grassy quad when they were approached by five or six men with their faces covered. Two of the suspects brandished handguns and demanded the victims’ property. The male victim was assaulted before turning over his property. The suspects fled with the victims’ cell phones and wallet in a gray sedan south on University Street.

Detectives are investigating whether the robbery is related to Sunday’s incident, which occurred at about 2:30 a.m. in the 400 block of East Redlands Boulevard. In that robbery, a woman was followed from a downtown parking lot on Orange Street to the 400 block of East Redlands Boulevard where two suspects stole her purse at gunpoint. The suspects fled east on Central Avenue. At the same time, another suspect stole a purse from a second victim across the street. He then got into a silver vehicle traveling east on Redlands Boulevard.

The suspects in Sunday’s robbery are described only as three black males in their early 20s.

Redlands Police are working with other local agencies to determine if any similar robberies were reported in their jurisdictions.

 Police want to remind residents of precautions that can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a mugging or armed robbery.

• Travel well lighted streets. Avoid dark corners, alleys and entrances to buildings. Always try to walk on the side of the street nearest oncoming traffic.
• If you must travel at night regularly, don’t carry more than you can afford to lose. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect your property and concentrate on a good physical description to give to the police.
• There’s safety in numbers! If possible, walk with a companion. An armed robber is less likely to confront two or more, than a lone individual.
• If you are waiting for someone, try to select a well-lighted area. Aim for a busy area where many people will be coming and going.
• Don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds, vacant lots, etc.
• Be cautious entering or leaving your vehicle as someone may be hiding nearby. Park in well lighted areas.
• If someone asks directions, be polite but maintain a safe distance.
• If you are alone and think you are being followed, head for an occupied building such as a bar, restaurant, gas station, fire station, etc. If none is available, cross the street in the middle of the block. If there is street vehicular traffic, try to stop a car for help.

If you are confronted:

• DO NOT RESIST! Cooperate! Give the criminal whatever he asks for: wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards or whatever. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions.
• Don’t make any sudden, unexpected moves. A nervous criminal may think you are reaching for a concealed weapon.
• If the suspect claims he has a gun, knife, razor or whatever in his pocket, never try to force his bluff.
• Never try to be a hero and apprehend the criminal yourself.
• Notify police as soon as possible.