Thieves targeting electronics in string of personal robberies

The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public of increased reports of personal robberies near transit stops.

Since January 5, 2019, EPS officers have investigated 10 similar reports of thefts of electronics throughout Edmonton. The events have occurred at and near LRT stations, transit stations and bus stops throughout the city.

“One of the things we advise citizens is to be aware of their surroundings, wherever they are and at all times,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Mark Kachkowski, with LRT Beats. “We all want to listen to music and look at our phones while we’re getting from A to B, but it’s important to keep your head up, stay alert, and don’t turn your music up so loud that you can’t hear what’s going on around you.”

 

In each case, multiple suspects approach the complainant while they are walking to or from a bus stop, transit terminal, or LRT station during the evening hours. The suspects reportedly use physical force or threaten the complainants with a weapon. The suspects appear to be targeting personal electronics.

 

EPS continues to work in partnership with Transit Peace Officers and ETS to support transit safety. This includes a comprehensive transit safety program that uses the presence of uniformed EPS officers, Transit Peace Officers and other security measures such as site-specific security guards and onsite security cameras to keep Edmontonians safe.

 

EPS and Transit Peace Officers have also added additional joint shifts that focus on high visibility and high incident areas to further deter disorder. These joint shifts complement the EPS LRT Beats team to maintain a highly visible, uniformed presence.

 

Citizens should also always keep in mind the following:

• Remain alert to their surroundings at all times

• Travel with others if possible

• Know the location of emergency blue phones, yellow touch strips located above the window on LRT cars and red LRT emergency push buttons

• If you see something suspicious, tell an onsite uniformed security guard (wearing a high-visibility yellow vest), any ETS uniformed staff member or police

• Travel through lit areas at night

• If traveling alone, advise a friend or family member of where you are going and your estimated arrival time

• Avoid displaying expensive electronics in your possession

• Call 911 in any emergency

 

More safety tips are available on the EPS website.

 

 


from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2Fe0Ipd