In the first Security Alert about a robbery in just over a month, a Columbia “affiliate” was robbed while “walking along the foot path on the lower level of Riverside Park adjacent near W. 116th Street.” Two males–one wearing a mask, the other described as Hispanic–approached the affiliate; the male with a mask brandished a handgun and demanded property while the other acted as a lookout. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Full email below a more recent Public Safety alert after the jump.

UPDATE (Wed 1:31pm): The second Public Safety email in as many days has hit your Inbox. Another robbery was committed on Halloween night around 9:30pm at 114th and Morningside, though without use of a weapon. No injuries reported. Full email appears first after the jump.

Columbia University

Department of Public Safety

SECURITY ALERT

ROBBERY

On October 31, 2009, at about 9:30 p.m. a student was robbed as he

walked on Morningside Ave. near W. 114 St.  The victim was approached

from behind by two males who knocked him to the ground and removed his

wallet and I-Phone. The pair fled on foot, before the victim could get

a good description of the suspects.

When traveling through the neighborhood, remember to stay aware of

your surroundings, limit your use of cell phones while walking, and

keep your electronic devices concealed, when possible.

Please remember to utilize the Columbia University Shuttle Service.

Information about this service, and others offered by Columbia

University Public Safety can be found on our website:

www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/

If you have any information about this crime, please contact the undersigned.

Ken Finnegan

Director, Investigations and Technology Projects

November 2, 2009

212-854-4790

_____________________________________________________________________

SECURITY ALERT

ROBBERY

On November 2, 2009 at about 6:00 pm, a Columbia University affiliate was the victim of a gun point robbery while he was walking along the foot path on the lower level of Riverside Park adjacent near W. 116th Street. Two males approached the affiliate when he was talking on his cell phone, suspect # 1, brandished a handgun demanding his property; suspect # 2 was acting as a lookout during incident. Both fled south after the incident. Complainant reported no injuries.

Description of Suspects:

Suspect # 1: Male / wearing a black mask / grey hoody / approximately 5?8? tall.

Suspect # 2: Male Hispanic / Approximately (17) / light complexion / short hair / dark top / blue jeans / with a pronounced hooknose / approximately 5?8? tall.

If you have any information about this crime, please contact Detective Lugo, 26th Precinct Detective Squad at 212-678-1351 or the undersigned. Please remember when traveling, be cognizant of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and immediately report any incidents or crimes to Public Safety at 212-854-5555, or the Police at 911.