Armed robberies escalating at York could suggest new wave of crime on campus

Police are looking for four suspects after a community member was robbed at gunpoint near Assiniboine Road early Friday evening.
This is the fourth armed robbery bulletin issued in two months, three of which have been on Assiniboine Road.
All four suspects in this alleged armed robbery are described as male, late teens to early 20s, with one suspect wearing a grey hoodie.
[su_pullquote]The victim was approached by the suspects in the Passy Crescent reserved parking lot. One of the suspects used a handgun to demand personal property, in which a cell phone and wallet was obtained. Similar to previous robberies over the past few weeks, the suspects fled in the southbound direction.[/su_pullquote]
No injuries were reported in the robbery. An increase of both static and extra security patrols of the area have been initiated, according to York media.
“York security is collaborating with Toronto Police 31 Division Criminal Investigations and Major Crime Unit on these incidents and are working with them in their investigation,” says Aldo Altomare, director, York University Security Services.
York has provided TPS with closed circuit television evidence. York also redeployed its residence watch officials from internal duties to more visible patrols to augment its security officials in impacted priority areas.
“York security has also engaged the assistance of TPS 31 Division Community Response Unit to assist in offering special attention to the campus in relation to these incidents,” says Altomare.
“York security has also brought in additional security officials to increase staffing to impacted areas and offer an increased visible presence,” he adds.
The occurrence of armed robberies in and around campus this semester has been larger than previous years.
Ryan Moore
News Editor