Robberies in Georgia Tech Campus Have Police on Alert

Georgia Tech police are on alert and students on edge after a series of strong arm robberies in and around the campus.

Crime alerts have been posted all around the Georgia Tech campus. Police said all of robberies occurred within the last two weeks of March and all of them involved someone getting robbed at gunpoint.

Georgia Tech students are looking over their shoulders after a recent series armed robberies.

"I heard someone was robbed just around the corner here at gunpoint. A lot of people are spooked about it," said student Tyler Gibbs.

Gibbs said he and other students have received e-mailed alerts after six Georgia Tech students were robbed. Police said all the cases involved the victims being held at gunpoint and being robbed of their possessions or money.

"We offer safety escorts for students at night if they're walking home alone. We advise all students that if they observe any suspicious behavior to call police department right away," said Georgia Tech Police Lt. Mark BeBe.

Police said they are not why they're seeing a recent spike in robberies on and around the campus.

"I don't know why. It could be something with the economy," said Bebe.

Campus police said they have increased foot, bicycle, motorcycle and squad car patrols around the campus. Students are advised to keep track of e-mail alerts and to remain vigilant.

"It kind of detours me from coming to the library at night, unless I know somebody or I'm going to walk with somebody or somebody is going to drive me back to my room," said student Dale Clay.

Georgia Tech police said the buddy system is always a good idea.
Investigators said the description of the culprits involved in the robberies are pretty much the same in each case -- African American males, teens to 20s and wearing hoodies.