Duke Police Respond to Campus Crimes

Dear Members of the Duke Community,

Yesterday afternoon, we received a report of an armed robbery in the Duke Gardens. This type of violent crime is very unusual on our campus, but unfortunately we have seen a series of these incidents on and around campus during the last several months.

We have received several tips from the community, and Duke and Durham Police are aggressively following all leads. But I also wanted to outline some of the steps we have taken to help increase security and create a safer environment for members of the Duke community and those who visit our campus. They include the following:

• We have increased the police and security presence in Duke Gardens, East Campus and on the Al Buehler Trail in Duke Forest. Our personnel are stationed or are patrolling these areas on an ongoing basis as part of our 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week presence on campus. 
• We are also working with Facilities to cut back bushes and shrubs near walkways on Central Campus. 
• Residential Housing and Facilities are also installing new locks on Central Campus apartments that will lock automatically upon closing. This will create a more secure environment for those living there and prevent robberies from apartments with unlocked doors. 
• In addition, we are evaluating additional fencing on Central Campus and potential road closings during late evening hours to better control access. 
• On East Campus, Facilities is conducting a comprehensive lighting study to upgrade to LED bulbs, which provide more visible lighting and a safer environment at night.  

The criminal activity on campus the last several months is highly unusual, and we are taking every step possible to limit future incidents and maintain a safe and secure campus.

Since our departments cannot patrol everywhere at all times, we also encourage you to review the safety steps on our police website. Call Duke Van Services at 919-684-2020 if you need a ride at night, and don't hesitate to use our blue light safety phones or to call 911 if you feel unsafe or want to report suspicious behavior.

There is no higher priority to us than your well-being.

Sincerely,

Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President for Administration

John Dailey, Duke University Police Chief