Armed robberies near U of M downtown campus
Students cautioned, security doubled
JENELLE PETRINCHUK STAFF
PHOTO: DEREK LAW
Two armed robberies near the University of Manitoba’s downtown Bannatyne campus and the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) were reported by the Winnipeg Police last month. On Dec. 11, 2006, two members of the U of M community, whose names have not been released, were approached by the same two males.
At approximately 2 p.m. a male U of M staff member was approached by the suspects while walking through the HSC Parkade on William Avenue. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun, and a small amount of money was stolen from the victim.
The second incident took place at 760 Ross Ave., in Sister MacNamara Park, at approximately 2:20 p.m.. A female U of M student was walking through the park when the same two men approached her from behind and attempted to grab her purses. Nothing was taken from the student as the perpetrators eventually fled the scene.
Both suspects were described as 17-20-yearold males, Caucasian, average build, one with a handgun and the other with a knife.
The same day the Winnipeg Police Service met with representatives from HSC and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority to discuss the incidents and propose security changes.
According to a police release, at the meeting the Winnipeg Police offered a security and environmental review of HSC property (such as crime prevention through environmental design), Community Relations experets to ensure proper staff training and awareness, as well as reassurance that the evolving crime problems on the area will be addressed.
-A security review for the area around HSC -Community Relations experts to ensure proper staff training and awareness
-Perform an environmental review of HSC property (such as crime prevention through environmental design) -Reassurance that the evolving crime problems of the area will be addressed
Neither of the crimes happened on university property but director of U of M Security Services (UMSS), Jim Raftis said they’re still keeping tight security in the area.
“We’ve actually just finished a meeting with HSC because we’ve been working closely with those guys and making sure that people are out and that our uniform presence is in the area,” Raftis said.
UMSS have extended its Safewalk program, which normally ends at Sherbrook Street, William Ave and Notre Dame Ave.. The program provides U of M staff and students with a ride or escorted walk to their vehicle, home or bus stop. Since the recent crimes in the area, if an individual needs to go a block or two farther than the original boundaries, more staff are available to take them the extra distance.
The expanded Safewalk boundaries are still in place and will not be cut back down anytime soon.Raftis also mentioned the numerous courses that are normally available such as U of M’s rape aggression, defence and crime prevention courses.
“It’s nothing really new that we’re offering, it’s just, of course, there’s an increased interest now because of what’s been happening, which is sort of standard,” said Raftis.
Raftis explained that awareness of personal safety is very important and emphasized the importance of walking in pairs. He explained that although there has been a focus on the crimes in the downtown area, it isn’t the only place in Winnipeg that is a safety issue.
“We’ve become a big city and unfortunately this is Winnipeg, and we do get dark at 4:30.”
There have been no arrests on the incidents to date.
