Cal Poly Beefs Up Patrols Following Recent Robberies

Cal Poly Pomona has increased patrols and stressed campus safety with students following two recent robberies.

The university police continue to beef up “target patrols,” specifically around student housing, said Tim Lynch, a Cal Poly spokesman.  Student community service officers also have been patrolling the residence hall suites on a nightly basis, a measure taken year-round, he said.

The housing services staff also scheduled a meeting Monday night at Alamitos Residence Hall, the dorm where a robbery last week occurred to provide safety tips and other information to students, he said.  That same information has been given to students in the campus’ other residence halls and suites during regularly scheduled meetings.

At around 9:45 p.m. Thursday, an armed gunman entered a room on the first floor of the Alamitos Residence Hall, closed the door behind him, and tied up a student resident. The suspect, who has not been caught, reportedly stole several items from the student and his two roommates.

“A crime bulletin that includes a sketch of the residence hall intruder has been circulated widely on campus,” Lynch said.

The dorm intruder came four days after another robbery on campus.  

On Oct. 21, two students walking on a path near Temple Avenue and South Campus Drive at around 9:30 p.m. were approached by a robber who reportedly flashed a gun tucked in his waistband and demanded their personal belongings.

The robber fled with a purse, wallet, laptop computer, and other personal items belonging to the victims.

University police are investigating whether the two crimes might have been committed by the same assailant.

Police also urge the campus to take general safety precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Always report suspicious behavior or potential safety issues to police
• Use a buddy system for walking campus or keeping watch for neighbors
• Avoid dark or deserted locations
• Program the University Police phone number (909-869-3070) into your cell phone