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Another robbery involving suspect on bicycle reported near Rutgers University campus

Another robbery reported near Rutgers University campus
Another robbery reported near Rutgers University campus 01:44

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- Rutgers University asking students to be on alert after another person was robbed near the campus this week.

This comes after three similar incidents last week.

Students at Rutgers are watching their backs.

"I walk down here a good amount at night and stuff, so you just got to be careful," one student said.

That's after another student was robbed on College Avenue on Thursday afternoon.

"We just get the Rutgers crime alerts, that's what we go off of," student Prava Shah said.

Campus police say a man on a bike approached the female and forcibly removed a valuable item from her. The victim was not injured.

"Everybody needs to be more alert, more careful," student Paul Moyer said.

This concern comes after three incidents all in one day near campus last week, all in broad daylight.

"I guess it's a bigger deal now. I don't know, I'm sure the police are on it," student Liron Day said.

Investigators say all three crimes on April 19 are similar and likely connected to one man on a bike. One of them happened when that bicyclist approached a student at Hamilton and Louis streets. The suspect displayed an "edged weapon." It was 3 p.m.

"Three o'clock in the afternoon? I feel bad for him. He probably lives a terrible life," said Estarlin Jaquez, who owns a small grocery store at the corner. "It's a great town, actually, you know. I feel like bad things happen everywhere, but it just sucks it happened here."

Police say all four victims were not seriously hurt, and they are trying to determine if this fourth incident is connected to the others from last week. 

Anyone with information is asked to call New Brunswick Police at 732-745-5200.

University police remind students, faculty and staff that escorts to vehicles, campus residences and the university's mass transit system are available upon request by calling 732-932-7211.

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