Several residents and students living in the off-campus area have called us with concerns about recently reported robberies. We have provided them information about how we and our partners are responding, the need for reporting any suspicious activity, and tips to help make people safer. When we get calls from a few people, we automatically know that there are others out there who would like that information as well:
Eugene Police investigators and partners are working together on these cases. We are continuing to follow up on the cases reported and are focused on getting any and all information we can to help solve these crimes. We have done targeted deployments. Some officers have been designated for rapid response capability. We have called on our forensic experts, and crime analysts. A tipline has been set up to generate more leads at call 541-682-5169.
You can help us. Please report robberies or suspicious conditions immediately, as this will increase the chances of apprehending suspects. A suspect(s) can travel a great distance in a very short amount of time. In the case of some of the robberies, there was significant time delay in getting the report. We urgently wish to capture these suspects and to do that, we need the public’s help in providing tips and being extra eyes and ears. If you see something, say something.
Criminals are responsible for crimes and not victims. They are opportunistic and don’t think about your or your welfare. Therefore, to make yourself safer and reduce your chances of being victimized:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and eliminate distractions or items that limit your ability to scan your environment (stay off your phone, and don’t wear headphones or earpieces).
- Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you. If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 911 immediately.
- If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts.
- If you are going to enjoy an night out, please don’t walk home by yourself. Get a taxi, ride or walk home with a friend.
- There is safety in numbers. Walk with a buddy after dark or if you will be going through secluded areas.
- Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves.
- If you are victimized, remember not property or money is worth your wellbeing. Get away as soon as possible and call 911. Be observant as later you can provide a more detailed suspect description. If you don't have a phone on you, go to the nearest safe place to borrow a phone to call 911.
- UO students have many safe transportation resources through the University: UO Safe Ride program (541-346-RIDE extension 2) or Designated Driver Shuttle (541.346.RIDE extension 1), or UO Campus Shuttle (facebook.com/UOCampusShuttle), or UOPD on-campus escort (541.346.2919).