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Message to Students Following Central Campus Robbery Tuesday

Dear Students: 

As you know, we had an armed robbery reported in Central Campus last night. Thankfully, no one was injured, but events like these, while rare at Duke, contribute to a sense of anxiety on campus. We want you to know that your safety is our first and foremost concern, and we have already taken additional steps to help ensure your safety.

Effective immediately Duke Police will be doubling the deployment of officers and security guards across Central Campus. There will be a significant increase in the visible presence of both police officers and security guards.

In addition, we have also recently worked with the City of Durham to add new lighting on Erwin Road under the Highway 147 overpass near Central Campus and W. Main St. These and other security measures in recent years – increased staffing, cutting back shrubbery, adding fencing, installing new locks on Central Campus apartments, and adding new lighting – have helped lead to a reduction in such serious incidents across Duke’s campus the last two years.

We are constantly assessing ways to prevent events like the robbery on campus last night, but we also need your help. Creating a safe environment requires your active participation. Collectively, the eyes and ears of our entire community are needed to help identify and report anything suspicious or unsafe. To that end, the Duke Police have provided the following reminders to assist with your safety:

• Reporting any suspicious activity or concerns immediately to Duke police at (919) 684-2444

• Not walking alone at night and avoiding unfamiliar, dimly lit areas

• Regulating behavior such as excessive drinking

• Utilizing safety resources and services including van rides and outdoor emergency phones

• Locking your place of residence and your vehicle, and securing belongings

Duke has police officers on duty 24 hours/7 days a week. There are 140 emergency outdoor phones that connect you directly to Duke Police, or you can contact Duke Police by phone at 919-684-2444 or by dialing 9-1-1 from a campus phone for emergencies. You can also communicate with Duke Police via text message using the “Emergency” icon available on the Duke Mobile app, which is available for free through the Apple and Android app stores.

We are committed to continuing to provide the safest possible environment for the Duke community and request your active engagement. Thank your for helping maintain a safe campus community. 

Larry Moneta

Vice President for Student Affairs

Kyle Cavanaugh

Vice President for Administration