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Campus safety message - Oct. 3, 2011

Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following message to the campus community on Oct. 3, 2011 - Ed.

Dear William & Mary Community,

I write to inform you that one of our students was robbed at knifepoint yesterday afternoon in the parking lot of the Governor’s Inn. The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Sunday.  Fortunately, the student was not injured. Since the incident occurred off campus, the robbery is being investigated by the Williamsburg Police Department.

The student told police he had been walking in the area of N. Henry Street and Lafayette Avenue. When he returned to his car in the motel parking lot, the student was confronted by four males. One of the suspects stole his book bag and ran from the area. According to police, the suspects are described as three black males and one white male with ages ranging from 19 to 25. Police gave brief descriptions below:

•    A black male with short black hair, no facial hair and a stud earring in his left ear. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, black warm-up nylon pants and white sneakers. The suspect had a  knife, approximately four inches in length.
•    A white male wearing a green jacket with white stripes, white sneakers, grey jeans and dark brown hair.
•    A black male with shoulder-length dreadlocks, a grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
•    A black male with a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

If you have information that may assist in the investigation of this incident please notify police by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

It is disheartening to be reminded yet again that crimes can and do occur in our relatively safe community of Williamsburg. This incident is especially troubling as it occurred in the middle of the day on a busy weekend, just a few blocks from the local police department.   While we cannot fully insulate ourselves from the acts of criminals, it is helpful to remember those measures we can take to increase our level of personal safety.  Whenever possible, it is wise to travel with others, particularly after dark.  And contact police immediately if something happens to you or if you see suspicious activity -- on campus or off, use 911. 

I know you share my sense of relief that our student was not physically harmed during the robbery.

Sincerely,
Ginger Ambler