News Flash

Durham police investigators are asking for information about several armed robberies that have been reported in the past month. Investigators believe some of the cases may be related. In most of the cases, the suspects approached the victims in apartment complex parking lots as they are walking to or from their vehicles in the morning. The suspects have been described as several black males who have often been wearing masks. The suspects are usually armed with guns and most of the victims have been Hispanic.

Robberies have been reported throughout Durham. Our investigators have been canvassing the areas where the robberies were reported and officers have been doing high visibility patrols in these areas. Officers from the DPD’s Community Services Division have met with apartment complex managers and have spoken to residents. They have also passed out robbery information and crime prevention flyers in English and Spanish. Investigators from the DPD’s Robbery Unit have been working closely with our Intelligence Unit, patrol officers and investigators from other units to solve these cases.

Anyone with information about recent robberies is asked to call Cpl. Thompson 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. CrimeStoppers has operators who speak Spanish.

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 in the dark. 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.
• Open a bank account to keep your money safe. If you are robbed and do not have cash, credit cards can be reported lost or stolen.