November 1, 2004

STATEMENT ON REPORTED ROBBERY TO THE UMKC POLICE DEPARTMENT

The victim, a UMKC student, was entering the Miller Nichols Library when she was approached by two females. One of the female suspects asked the victim if she could use her cellular telephone to call a friend for a ride home.  After using the cell phone the suspect sprayed the victim with a substance that may have been ‘mace,' took the victim's car keys and left the area. The suspects then went to parking area 40 where the victim's vehicle was located and drove away.

The victim was treated on the scene by medic units with MAST and released.

Descriptions:

• Suspect 1 –African American female, approximately 14-16 years of age, 5'8”, slender build, wearing all black clothing with a red bandana over her face.

• Suspect 2 – African American female, approximately 35-45 years of age, 5'2”, heavy build, shoulder length hair (black in color), wearing a yellow shirt.

The UMKC Police Department is conducting an investigation of this incident. If you have any information, or were in the area of this incident about the time it occurred please call the police department at 235-1515 and ask to speak with the on-duty sergeant.

Crime Prevention Tips

• Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
• Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.
• Always walk in well-lighted areas.
• Avoid the use of short cuts.
• After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
• Always stay near the curb.
• If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
• If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.
• Do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.

TIPS FOR CONFRONTING DANGER

1. Trust your instincts . If something "feels wrong" (with a person, a building, a situation, etc.), something probably is wrong. Even if you don't know why you are uncomfortable, change your plans, move away from the person, get out of the area - whatever is necessary to make the feeling go away.
2. Know yourself . How do you react in crisis situations? Do you scream, cry, freeze? What might be your personal defense options? Every situation is different.
3. In any annoying or dangerous situation, you will be the best judge of what you need to do to handle the situation. There is no one "right" approach.

Other crime prevention tips, as well as informational workshops, may be obtained by contacting the crime prevention office of the UMKC Police Department. 235-1515.