Robbers still at large
Published Aug. 29, 2006
Despite releasing two composite sketches and offering a Crime Stoppers reward, area police are still unable to identify two women believed to have been involved with three robberies on or near campus in mid-August.
"We're requesting assistance from the public in identifying the two suspects," Columbia police spokesman Brad Nelson said.
On Aug. 24 a Columbia police news release stated that anyone with information regarding the case could call the Crime Stoppers hotline at (573) 875-8477 anonymously and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.
Nelson said the department had not received any tips through the Crime Stoppers line. But the MU Police Department has received several calls in response to the clery release sent to all students, staff and faculty, MU police Capt. Scott Richardson said.
Nelson said the three robberies, which occurred between Aug. 12 and Aug. 22, targeted 20-year-old women who were walking alone between 11 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.
Each victim was approached from behind and physically assaulted, but none of the victims required medical attention, Nelson said.
Students can protect themselves by traveling in groups and in well-lit areas, Nelson said.
"They are looking for young women who appear to be by themselves," he said. "Be aware of your surroundings."
Police connected the three robberies based on similar methods of operation and similar physical descriptions, Richardson said.