Rutgers University has been blighted by a string of robberies in a single week. Watch video
File photo of the Rutgers Student Center on College Avenue in New Brunswick. Rutgers announced today it would upgrade its security notification system to tell students about more off-campus crimes. NEW BRUNSWICK -- The Rutgers University Police Department is ramping up patrols and asking college students to remain alert after a string of robberies and assaults that menaced the campus last week.
Of the three incidents, two involved college students.
A third incident that occurred on Saturday involved a man unaffiliated with the university who was assaulted by three males. The group "struck him with a blunt object following an incident at an off-campus residence," according to a statement from the university police force.
The perpetrators fled, and the victim was left with injuries that were not life-threatening. He was taken to a hospital and later released.
Three days earlier, a Rutgers student was assaulted near the intersection of Nielsen and Morris streets, according to a report by the Rutgers University Police Department. It was just a few blocks away from the Mason Gross School of The Arts facility on Livingston Avenue.
An unidentified man "assaulted the student with a sharp object," causing him to fall to the ground. The perpetrator then checked the student's pockets for any valuable items, the report said.
The student sustained "superficial injuries" and went to a hospital.
And just a day earlier from that incident, a woman "affiliated with Rutgers University" reported that she was managing the Amsterdam Smoke Shop on Easton Avenue when a man entered; and "after inquiring about a purchase, displayed a handgun and demanded cash."
The woman refused, and the man "then fled in an unknown direction." She was not injured.
The New Brunswick and Rutgers University police departments are investigating the incidents. No arrests have been made at this time.
However, Rutgers police Chief Kenneth Cop said though it is important for students to remain vigilant of their surroundings, he also emphasized that crime is down compared to last year's numbers.
"We have one of the most comprehensive crime-notification (systems)," he said. "We have a greater public safety presents in these off-campus areas than we ever have. And when I look at the numbers compared to last year, things are down."
The Rutgers police force is also asking anyone with information to contact its detective bureau at 848-932-8025. The New Brunswick Police Department is also asking anyone with information to contact its detective bureau at 732-745-5217.
In a statement, the Rutgers police force tells students to stay "alert and aware," to "avoid isolated or dark areas" and to walk in groups when traveling late at night.
The department also reminds students, faculty and staff that it proves escorts upon request.
To request a security escort, contact the police communications center at 732-932-7211.
The Rutgers police and college student leaders came together to develop a student-funded system that allows students to report incidents through text message. All students need to do is text "RUNB" and your message to 69050.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.