Officials stepped up security around Rutgers University's College Avenue and Cook-Douglass campuses after three robberies in the area early Saturday, campus police said.
(File photo)
More University police officers were deployed to the 2nd, 5th and 6th wards of New Brunswick, according to Kenneth Cop, chief of police and executive director of public safety at Rutgers.
"Therefore, beginning tonight you will see an increased public safety presence adjacent to the College Avenue and Cook / Douglass Campuses," Cop said in an email to the New Brunswick campus Saturday.
The increased presence was part of the police department's "strategic patrol plan," according to Cop.
The robberies were under investigation and Rutgers authorities were working with city police, the chief added.
The three robberies -- two involving guns -- occurred 1:13 a.m. and 3 a.m., according to police. It was not clear if they were linked.
Two victims in the incidents were described as being "affiliated" with Rutgers while two others were not students or employees, officials said.
Cop said the University offers safety escorts by calling 732-932-7211.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
