THREE ROBBERIES IN THE SADDLEBROOK/KENNESAW RIDGE AREA

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

THREE ROBBERIES IN THE SADDLEBROOK/KENNESAW RIDGE AREA

On 2/15/12 at 6:40 P.M., Officers were dispatched to 3800 Saddlebrook Place in reference to an armed robbery.  The male and female victim were parking their car and walking to a residence when they were approached by two black males. The two black males demanded the female victim's purse.  The female victim turned around and saw one of the black males with a gun pointed at the male victim.  The female victim gave up her purse and the suspects ran westbound between buildings on Saddlebrook Place.  The suspects are described as black males between the ages of 20 and 25, wearing all black clothing with the hoods pulled up on their sweatshirts.

2012-001720

On 3/13/12 at 12:40 A.M., Officers were dispatched to 1115 Kennesaw Ridge. The male victim was being dropped off by the female victim at the above address.  As the victims were sitting in the car, a black male suspect approached asking for directions.  The male victim provided the directions to the male suspect.  The male victim noticed the male suspect turn back around and approach the male victim's passenger side of the vehicle.  The black male suspect  jerked open the passenger door and displayed a knife. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and items before walking away from the scene northbound on Saddlebrook. The suspect is described as a black male in his twenties wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt.

2012-002797

On 3/23/12 at 11:05 P.M., An Officer was dispatched to 1115 Kennesaw Ridge in reference to a strong arm robbery.  A female victim was walking to her car with a duffle bag on one shoulder and her purse on the other.  The female victim said she heard someone yell from a distance and she noticed a black male walking towards her.  The female victim was aware of the recent robberies in the area so she tried to quickly unlock her car door. The female victim was trying to unlock her car door and she heard the black male suspect running towards her.  The victim was able to get the door open but the black male suspect grabbed her duffle bag. The female victim struck the suspect with the car door. The female victim struggled with the suspect and the suspect took her duffle bag fleeing the area on foot. The suspect was described as a black male, 5'8, thin build last seen wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

2012-003294

ROBBERY PREVENTION TIPS:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose, head up, and looking around. Stay in lighted areas at night. The robber doesn't want to be seen.
• Stay with the crowd - there is safety in numbers.
• Women should carry their wallet in their pocket, not their purse.
• If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, like a football player carries a football. Do not place the strap across your body or over your shoulder. When the robber grabs your purse, you may be pulled along with the robber until the strap breaks and you are injured.
• Don't leave a purse on a counter or in a shopping cart unattended.
• Men should consider carrying two wallets, one of them filled with cut up paper. Most robbers are not going to go through the wallet until they have fled to safety.
• Be cautious when wearing "flashy" jewelry.
• Be conscious of people just "hanging around" anywhere, especially near pay phones, public rest rooms, building entrances and garages.
• Notify the police of strangers who are hanging around your home, apartment or place of business for no apparent reason.
• Take the profit out of robbery by not carrying large sums of money, or credit cards on your person whenever possible.
• Vary your routine - don't do the same thing at exactly the same time every day.
• Be aware of people around you when you are using your automatic teller machine (ATM) card. When possible, use an ATM that is located inside a business such as a grocery store.
• Have your pay, social security, or retirement checks directly deposited into your bank account.
• When you go to the bank, don't flash your cash.
• Lock your car doors when your vehicle is unattended even if you will only be out of it for a "minute." This action may prevent a robber from hiding in your back seat awaiting your return.
• While driving, keep your vehicle doors locked.
• If you are walking and a vehicle is following you, reverse directions or cross the street.
• If someone acts suspiciously, looks at you closely or follows you, head for bright lights and people and call the police.
• Carry a whistle or other noise making device. Use it to call attention to yourself if threatened.

If anyone has any information about the suspect(s) in these robberies or suspicious vehicle in the area, Please contact the Columbia Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 875-TIPS to remain anonymous.