E-mails sent to Lehigh students from Chief Ed Shupp:
December 2, 2010
Two Lehigh students were victims of armed robberies, in separate incidents, around 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 2nd. The robberies took place in the area of Packer and Montclair streets. In both instances, a weapon was displayed by the two male assailants, and victims were asked to relinquish valuables such as cell phones and cash. The victims were not harmed.
December 6, 2010
Recent criminal activity -- specifically several armed robberies in the
area of Packer Avenue and Montclair Street -- have left many members of the
campus community understandably concerned.
area of Packer Avenue and Montclair Street -- have left many members of the
campus community understandably concerned.
After talking over with the president and provost, certain measures will be implemented on campus. These measures will include:
1. Adding foot patrols and police cars to off-campus areas.
2. Expanding TRACS routes.
3. Imploring security cameras
4. LUPD is working with Bethlehem Police Department.
December 10, 2010
E-mail 1:
At approximately 2:25 a.m. Friday, December 10th, a female Lehigh undergraduate student was the victim of a strong-arm robbery after she was approached by one individual with three accomplices standing nearby.
Personal property was taken. The victim sustained minor injuries in the robbery, and was treated for the injuries.
E-mail 2:
The incident involving a female student at approximately 2:30 am Friday, Dec. 10th took place in the area of Pierce Street.
E-mail 3:
In a press conference held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10th, Bethlehem Police Chief Stu Bedics announced the arrests of the individuals responsible for several recent off-campus robberies. The four suspects - an 18 year old male, a 15 year old male, a 13 year old male and a 13 year old female – are believed to be involved with gang activity, Bedics said.
Two of the suspects have been charged with criminal conspiracy, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, reckless endangerment and simple assault. The 18 year old will be incarcerated in Northampton County Prison, and the remaining suspects will be retained in juvenile facilities.
The arrests came as the result of information determined during the police investigation following the strong-arm robbery of a female Lehigh student at approximately 2:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10th, in the Pierce Street area.
How are we supposed to feel safe?
My boyfriend lives off campus, and I am now afraid of walking to his house alone at night. He literally lives a block off-campus. But I am still afraid to walk down from the Hill by myself.
This is unacceptable; I should feel safe at my college. I don’t like that I have to call a cop to walk me home from the library. I don’t like that I feel afraid to walk from East Fifth to Pantry One.
There has been an on-going battle between the citizens of Bethlehem and Lehigh students. This Brown and White article outlines the views of the public in this article. http://digital.lib.lehigh.edu/cdm4/bw2_viewer.php?DMTHUMB=&search=0&ptr=39249&CISOPTR=39243
The Brown and White reporter shows Lehigh students that some of that “townie” hate is reciprocated to the “stuck up preppies”.
The story discusses the public view on how they are unable to walk up to the lookout point next to ATO, use the gym and library, and generally around campus. One even speaks out against the LUPD because a cop chased her off campus and told her to get off private property. She comments on the cop attitude also.
New flash: Lehigh IS private property. It’s worth $50,000 plus some, multiplied by the 5,000 students who pay that amount. I don’t like going to the gym and getting hit on by the “townies” that sneak in. I don’t like being afraid to go the library late at night because some drunk Puerto Rican from South side wanted to be funny and run around. I don’t like having to carry a miniature pepper spray I had to ask my dad to buy.
I was considering living off-campus next year but now, why should I when the robberies were right down the street? I’m afraid to walk around there just going to a friend’s house, how can I leave a house that is right next to the scene of the crime without being terrified?
Last night, I was walking off-campus in a group a friends and I was happy to see a LUPD foot patrol walk by. The extra cops do help but I still feel like I should feel safe walking around without the foot patrols.
Here are some published works from The Brown and White that covers the relationship between Lehigh’s community and Bethlehem’s community:
Letter to the editor
Off-campus safety
Four students robbed in their house
Editorial: Taking Precautions
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