Robberies have NSU students on alert

NORFOLK, Va. - In the past month, several NSU students have been robbed at gun point, either on or around campus. And that has police, as well as students on high alert.

At Norfolk State University, everyone is on the lookout.

"It's about a quarter mile walk from the Towers to Spartan Station," said freshman Corey Brown. "Imagine walking that at ten o'clock at night."

Police and students are looking for anyone who doesn't belong.

"I pretty much heard there has been a few robberies going on," said sophomore Corey Williams.

Seven robberies at gunpoint this month alone have university police on high alert. Four of those robberies were on campus. All of the victims have been students.

"It's a shame that you have to worry about your grades and about classes and also have to worry about being robbed," added Brown.

Norfolk State Police Chief Tony Walker says the suspects appear to be teenagers from a nearby neighborhood.

"We're in an urban community with large numbers of people who don't want to do the right thing at all time," said Chief Walker.

Chief Walker says the department has stepped up patrols, both by car and foot. Corey Brown has noticed the difference.

"They are more cautious at the gates," said Brown. "I do see police coming up to the dorms to check up on everything, so I have seen an increase."

It takes senior Rene Collins about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the campus to the other. She says while police are taking steps to keep her safe, she's taking her own approach to security.

"I don't walk the campus alone," said Collins. "That's one thing I don't do, because it leaves you out there for people to rob you if you're by yourself."

Police are also encouraging students to carry ID cards at all times, so they can determine who's a student and who's not.