As of this writing, the Fourth Precinct is issuing an “Attention Residents” flyer for a string of Aggravated Robberies in the Camden area. Whether or not these suspects are still active as you read this, these events deserve some discussion.
Several years ago we experienced a pattern of robberies in which the victims were approached by the suspect or suspects as they were getting out of their cars after arriving home. The robber would display a handgun and demand money from the victim. In one case, shots were fired when the victim struggled. Thankfully no one was hit by a bullet, although the victim did sustain some minor injuries in the scuffle.
This pattern has re-emerged in the southwestern part of the Camden Community, mainly between Lowry Avenue and 35th, west of Penn. From two to four suspects are approaching people in their garages or driveways as they exit their vehicles, displaying a handgun and demanding money. Most of these robberies are happening at night as people return home from work or later in the evening as they return home from other activities. One victim sustained injuries after being pistol-whipped by one of the suspects.
These thieves are taking advantage of people while they are vulnerable to surprise. Generally when we come home and pull into the familiar surroundings of our garage or driveway we aren’t paying too much attention to our surroundings. Whether we’re thinking about what to make for supper, mulling over the day’s events at work, or simply looking forward to coming home and relaxing, we often don’t pay a lot of attention to what may be happening around us. These robberies are almost exclusively happening after dark, when it’s even more difficult to see what may be going on. Early winter sunsets make us particularly vulnerable when we arrive home from work in the early evening. These suspects understand this and are using it to their advantage.
As of this writing, the Minneapolis Police Department is working hard to identify and apprehend the people responsible for this. Hopefully, by the time this goes to press and reaches your doorstep, these crooks will be caught and taken off the street. Whether they are or not though, this pattern should serve as a reminder to all of us to practice good security habits. You can greatly reduce your chance of becoming a robbery victim by following these simple practices:
When you enter your alley to approach your garage or driveway take a look around you. Look to see if anything seems out of place. If you see someone you don’t know loitering in the alley, or lurking in the shadows, consider making another pass through the alley to see if they’re still there, or driving around to the front of your house instead. Be alert!
If you do see something suspicious, call 911 immediately. Be prepared to give the operator the best description that you can and to explain what it is about the person or situation that is suspicious.
• Examine the lighting around your garage or driveway. Consider installing motion detector lights on your garage to alert you to recent activity as you approach. These suspects rely on getting close to you before you can see them. Reduce their opportunity for concealment by increasing the lighting.
• Look at other areas around your garage that may offer someone an opportunity for concealment. Do what you can to eliminate such opportunities.
• Finally, if you are approached by a robber with a gun, stay calm. If they ask for your money, give it to them. If they ask for your car keys, give them up. These are only things and they are not worth risking your life over.
The fact that this particular pattern has re-emerged gives testimony to its effectiveness. By being alert to this type of robbery and taking a few common sense precautions you can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your family from this crime. As always, if you have any questions about this or any other crime prevention issue, call the 4th Precinct Community Crime Prevention Unit at 612-673-2803.