Attempted home invasion on Grove

From VCU Alert:

Reported offense: On July 18, 2017, at 9:43 p.m. the Richmond Police Department and VCU Police Department received a report of an attempted home invasion that occurred in a private residence located in the 1400 block of Grove Avenue.

Brief description of how the crime took place: The victim was in their home when an unknown male entered the apartment through an unsecured door and demanded money. The victim asked who they were and again the suspect demanded money. The victim struck the suspect in the stomach and he fled from the apartment on foot through the rear alley (at no time was a weapon displayed).

Suspect/s: Black male with a muscular build; height: 6’03, wearing a white T-shirt with an unknown logo on the front and torn sleeves.

Investigating agency: Richmond Police are leading the investigation.

It can be assumed that conditions continue to exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the community. Police have increased patrols in this area.

The VCU Police would like to remind students, in particular, to keep personal safety in mind. There are certain things you need to be aware of living in an urban environment. Crimes may occur in our community. The best defense is to be prepared and to take responsibility for your own safety and for that of your friends and fellow students. A few key reminders:

Burglary:

• Always lock all windows and doors even when home.
• Never hide a key to your home outside. Burglars often know all the hiding places.
• Good lighting is a deterrent to crime and allows residents to see the pathway from their vehicle to their home. All entry doors should be equipped with lighting.
• Motion lighting is a good option in areas that may be intrusive to neighbors.
• If you are going out of town, make arrangements to have mail picked up daily or have the post office suspend mail deliveries.
• Reflective house or street numbers clearly visible on your home can save valuable time and assist first responders locate your home.
• When going out of town, and if you live in the City of Richmond off campus, notify the city to be placed on the vacation watch list at: http://www.richmondgov.com/police/vacationwatch.aspx
• Keep shades or curtains drawn after dark.
• “Case” your residence the way an intruder would and look for ways to enter your residence.
• Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors.
• Trim trees and shrubs near windows and doors so intruders can’t hide in the shadows.
• Look out for your neighbors; immediately report suspicious people and activity to police.

VCU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to share this safety information with other members of the community and are asked to be aware of their surroundings. Use the campus RamSafe transportation service between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. by calling (804) 828-SAFE (7233) or visit http://www.ramsafe.vcu.edu.

Students, faculty, staff and citizens of Richmond are asked to report all suspicious persons or incidents, however minor, to VCU Police immediately.

Anyone with information pertaining to this crime can contact the VCU Police Department 24/7. For emergencies call (804) 828-1234. For non-emergency tips call (804) 828-1196. You can also download the LiveSafe mobile safety application for free on a smart phone and submit tips, screen shots, photos and videos directly to VCU Police; tips are monitored 24/7.