News Flash

Durham Police Asking for Information on Robberies

Durham police are investigating a series of armed robberies that appear to target Hispanic victims. There have been 13 similar robberies reported in the past week. One man suffered minor injuries when he was thrown to the ground.

Most of the robberies have occurred in apartment complex parking lots, but a few have been reported in front of homes. In most cases, there have been two suspects with their faces partially covered with scarves or hoodies.

Guns have been used in all 13 cases and the suspects have taken wallets, cash and phones, according to investigators.  Several robberies have been reported between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.  and a few have happened during the early morning hours.

Four of the 13 robberies were reported within an hour last night:

• 7 p.m.  at 2920 Chapel Hill Road
• 7:30 p.m. at 4230 Garrett Road
• 7:40 p.m. at 1113 Hearthside Street
• 7:50 a.m. at 2607 Lexington Street

Earlier robberies have been reported in the 4200 block of Garrett Road (two cases), 300 block of Moline Street, 1400 block of West Chapel Hill Street, 2400 block of Vesson Avenue, 1800 block of Guess Road, 300 block of South LaSalle Street (two cases) and 1300 block of Morreene Road.

No charges have been filed at this time. Anyone with information 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:

• Do not loiter in parking lots. Some of the robberies occurred while people were sitting in their vehicles.
• 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.