Cell phone robberies

Report from the UCLA Police Department (UCPD)
Updated Feb. 20, 2008

On Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2:30 a.m. four male Hispanics confronted a male at the intersection of Midvale & Ophir. The four suspects punched the victim and took his phone from his hand.

This incident is the eighth robbery or attempted robbery in the vicinity of the campus since Nov. 11. According to the UCPD, this robbery is considered to be a part of a trend where victims walking alone, talking on cell phones, listening to iPods or are otherwise distracted are being targeted on the westside of campus.

See the UCPD Web posting for more on all of these robberies.

If you have information regarding this incident or possible suspect information, please contact Detective Brown at (310) 825-9371 or (310) 825-1691, reference report number 08-00376.

UCPD would like to remind the UCLA community of safety tips:

• Stay alert and attuned to things around you, especially suspicious activities or people. Do not let cell phones or audio devices distract you.

• Do not walk alone at night. Escort service is available on and around the campus between dusk and 1 a.m. by calling (310) 794-WALK.

• If you think you are being followed, do not go home, but drive to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station or other well-lit place.

• If you are a victim of a crime take mental notes, if possible, of the suspect(s) physical description and mannerisms; this will aid in apprehending the suspect(s).

• Program your cell phone with UCPD dispatch number (310) 825-1491.