OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – Oshkosh Police are investigating several robberies in the residential area surrounding the UW Oshkosh campus.
The Oshkosh Police Department reports three of the robberies happened within about a three-block radius:
11/02/2019 at approximately 8:29 PM in the 700 Block of Cherry St. (attempted robbery)
10/29/2019 at approximately 8:38 PM in the 400 Block of Scott Ave.
10/27/2019 at approximately 8:30 PM near Cherry St/ Scott Ave. (attempted robbery)
10/19/2019 at approximately 7:35 PM in the 1200 Block of Kentucky St.
The incidents on October 19th and November 2nd involved victims messaging a stranger on the dating app Tinder. An individual told the victims where to meet. When the victim arrived, several African-American teens approached and proceeded to rob or attempt to rob them.
Oshkosh Police remind students and everyone else to be careful when dealing with people online.
“Using whatever type of app to communicate with a stranger and setting up a time to meet them, you need to be extra cautious about who you are meeting and where you are meeting them,” says Officer Kate Mann.
Robberies on October 27th and 29th appeared to target victims walking alone at night through the residential neighborhoods.
“We always urge people to walk in groups when they’re out at night, to stay in lighted areas, and to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times,” says Mann.
She also realizes instances of walking home late at night happen quite often for college students, and it’s not always feasible to be with another person. That’s when she recommends using the technology in your pocket.
“Use your cellphone. Call somebody when you’re walking so that you’re always having that contact. So if something does happen, you’re on the phone with someone and they will know there’s an issue right away.”
Despite similarities in the cases, Mann says it’s unclear if they are all connected.
All victims reported being physically assaulted and suffering minor injuries. No weapons were involved in any of these cases.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact the Oshkosh Police Department.
