BU students victims in three robberies

Boston University students were among the victims in three separate robberies, one of which was armed, on or near the Charles River Campus late Friday night and early Saturday morning, Boston University Police Department officials said.

BU Police Chief Thomas Robbins said in an email to the BU community at least one individual robbed in each instance was a BU student. There were no injuries reported in any of the three incidents.

“Although Boston University is located in a relatively safe area in the city, there still remains criminal activity consistent with urban life,” he said.

The first robbery occurred at 1065 Commonwealth Ave., next to the Shaw’s Supermarket at about 11 p.m.

A BU student was walking alone in an alleyway when two males approached him. The first suspect was described as a white male in a North Face jacket standing between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, of thin build with a possible right-eyebrow piercing. The second suspect was described as an Asian male of muscular build.

The suspects robbed the victim of his cellphone, Robbins said.

At about 12:15 a.m. Saturday morning, three people, one of whom was a BU student, were stopped by whom they described as two white males on St. Paul Street in Brookline.

The suspects presented a black handgun and took various items from the victims, including smart phones, Robbins said.

The first suspect was described as 6-foot-2 with a large nose, wearing a white, hooded sweatshirt and black jacket, and carrying the handgun. The second suspect was described as 5-foot-11, of heavy build and wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt and a red scarf around his face.

A BU alert was sent to students about this incident early Saturday morning.

At about 1 a.m. on Babcock Street, a female BU student was sitting alone on a set of steps and was pushed to the ground by whom she described as a black male and a black female. The suspects took a small sum of cash and her cellphone, before driving away in an old, black sedan.

“The BUPD and area police departments will be providing additional patrols to these areas over the holiday weekend to prevent and deter criminal activity,” Robbins said. “ … Although your chances of being the victim of a crime are small, your personal commitment to your own safety is crucial. ”

BUPD, Brookline Police Department and Boston Police Department are investigating the incidents.

Robbins said in the letter students can help protect themselves by concealing their valuables, walking in groups and reporting any suspicious activity to BUPD immediately. BUPD’s phone number is located on the back of every Terrier card.

“Together we share the responsibility for maintaining a safe environment,” Robbins said. “Each one of us can improve our community’s welfare by reporting crime and unsafe conditions, and by helping others.”

In September and October, BU students were included among the victims of a series of three armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery on or near the Charles River Campus.