In light of the recent robberies on SMU’s campus, the University Park Police Department spoke on its case progress and gave students advice on how to increase personal safety.

Two cases of aggravated robbery and one attempted robbery have been reported within days of each other: the first April 17, the second April 21 and the third April 23. Afflicted individuals included SMU students, a parent and an employee working near campus.

University Park Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Lita Snellgrove reported the department’s progress with the SMU robbery cases.

“Our detectives do not feel the cases are related,” Snellgrove said.

In response to crime reports, the SMU Police Department announced April 21 it will increase nightly car and bike patrols to provide extra security on campus. SMUPD released a following announcement April 23 addressing campus security.

“The safety of the SMU community always is the University’s first concern,” SMUPD wrote in an email. “These cases are unusual for our community, with three robberies previously reported on campus in the last six years … campus community members are urged to be aware of their surroundings and call police immediately if they see or hear anything suspicious.”

To increase personal safety on campus, Snellgrove advised students to do the following:

• Use Giddy-Up
• Be aware of your surroundings when walking, especially at night
• Walk with a friend or in a group

Last, the officer stated that the saying “nothing good happens after midnight” is true.

“Several incidents have occurred around 2 a.m., so get home early,” Snellgrove said.