News Flash

Durham Police Asking for Information on Robberies 

Durham police are investigating four robberies that have been reported in the past two weeks in the area of the Belmont Apartments on McQueen Drive. No injuries have been reported.

No charges have been filed at this time. Investigators are trying to determine if the cases are related.

“Officers have been reaching out to residents. They are encouraging them to call in any suspicious activity and to use the Nextdoor app to share information,” said District 3 Capt. Marianne Bond. Officers are conducting increased patrols in the area and the DPD’s District 3 Community Resource Officer is working with the apartment management.

Investigators are asking for information about the following incidents:

• A 21-year-old man was followed up the stairs and forced into his apartment on McQueen Drive at gunpoint. A man wearing all black clothing and a gray scarf pointed a gun at the victim and took the victim’s wallet and electronic items.
• A 24-year-old male victim was getting something out of his car on McQueen Drive when a man with a gun came up behind him and forced him back into the vehicle. The suspect forced the victim to drive to an ATM and withdraw money. The suspect took the victim’s phone, wallet and cash before getting out of the car.
• A 26-year-old woman woke up to find two men wearing scarves over their faces inside her bedroom on Sweeney Drive. They robbed her at gunpoint of a phone, electronic items and her vehicle.
• A 27-year-old man was walking to his apartment on Eastman Drive when two males wearing hoodies robbed him of his keys, phone and vehicle. The stolen vehicle was recovered in Hillsborough.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to call Cpl. Frey at (919) 560-4440, ext. 29480 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.

The Durham Police Department would like to share the following personal safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Call 911 immediately if you see any suspicious activity or witness a crime.
• Have your keys ready when approaching to enter your apartment or your vehicle.
• Do not carry large amounts of money or jewelry.
• Do not walk alone at night. Dark areas give robbers the advantage to commit crime.
• If someone is following you, do not drive directly to your neighborhood. Instead, drive to a well-lit area.
• When you are walking, avoid strangers or groups of strangers.
• Park your vehicle in well-lighted areas.
• Do not open your home door to strangers. Call 911 immediately.
• Report all incidents of crime. Police cannot investigate and detain suspects if you do not report crime.
• Do not resist if you are being robbed. Always cooperate with the robber. Your life is more important than items of material value.
• Obtain a good description of the suspect so you can report it to the police and call 911 immediately.