Police at the University of Virginia want students to be alert, after a number of reports of break-ins and sexual assaults have been called in.
An email from UVA police addressed to the university community says the suspect reportedly breaking into unlocked homes and apartments near grounds is not out to steal anything, but instead has sexually assaulted multiple victims.
Charlottesville police have received a number of reports dating back to September, in which male victims wake up and find themselves being groped by a man. That suspect is thought to have entered each residence through an unlocked door.
So far these incidents have played out on 17th Street NW, Virginia Avenue, University Circle and Wertland Street. Some students say this sort of situation definitely comes as a surprise.
"Normally, I feel safe around grounds, at least when its light out leaving my door unlocked. But now I just don't, don't really know what to do. I mean, I'd love to trust people, I'd love to think nobody is going to do that. But you never know," said Alex Shannon, a UVA third year student.
Police say most of the calls for these sexual assaults have come hours after the incidents took place, but officers are urging anyone who is a victim of a similar assault to report it as soon as it happens.
Police believe all of these incidents are related, and say there's a simple lesson from this: be sure to lock your doors.
The NBC29 newsroom received the following press release from the Charlottesville Police Department:
Press Release:
The Charlottesville Police Department is seeking your assistance with a series of burglaries in the Venable Neighborhood. The first incident occurred on September 29th, 2011 on University Circle followed by similar cases in October on 17th Street N.W. (10/15/2011 and 10/22/2011) and Virginia Avenue (10/21/2011). The last burglary occurred on 11/13/2011. A number of these cases were not reported immediately, but were reported after a mass email to UVA students alerting them of the incidents.
In each of the cases a black male was reportedly seen within the residences. He is described as thin and in his twenties or thirties. The only crime committed once inside the residences is unlawful touching of male occupants that appears sexually motivated.
Due to the delay in the reporting of these cases, the Charlottesville Police Department is asking anyone with similar incidents to contact our department immediately. Please contact Detective Newberry 434-970-3280 or call Crime Stoppers 434-977-4000.
Lt. Ronnie Roberts
Public Information Officer
The following email was sent to the University of Virginia Community:
To the University community:
Since September, Charlottesville Police have received multiple reports of nighttime apartment break-ins in residences adjacent to the University. Larceny is not a motive.
Male victims report that they awaken to find themselves being groped. In each case, the assailant has entered through an unlocked door. The suspect is described as a thin black male.
The incidents, which have taken place on 17th Street NW, Virginia Avenue, University Circle and Wertland Street, are believed to be related.
Most reports, Charlottesville Police say, have come hours or even days after the incidents. They are asking for any related information and remind residents to lock their doors.
If you are the victim of a similar assault in the future, call 911 immediately. If you have any information you believe is relevant to these cases, please contact Detective Newberry of the Charlottesville Police Department at 434-970-3273.
Michael A. Gibson
Chief of Police
University of Virginia
