The Berkeley Police Department released a crime alert Tuesday urging residents living on the southern side of campus to exercise caution after five separate pedestrian robberies occurred there in less than two hours Monday night.
The robberies spanned from 10:02 p.m. to 11:41 p.m. Monday and are likely related, according to the alert. The two suspects reportedly involved in all five incidents were both described as adult black males in their late teens or early 20s, with one standing at 5 feet and 7 inches with a medium build and wearing a grey sweatshirt, and the other standing at 6 feet tall with a thin build and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
The incidents — in chronological order — took place at Dwight Way and Piedmont Avenue, Benvenue Avenue and Derby Street, Channing Way and Dana Street, Garber Street and College Avenue, and Benvenue Avenue and Parker Street. The first robbery transpired via threat of a gun, the second via strong arm and the latter three with a visible handgun.
Police encouraged residents walking at night to travel in groups, to conceal their smartphones, to walk in busier areas and to remain vigilant.
Anyone with information on these cases is asked to contact BPD at 510-981-5900.
Check back for updates.
