BANGOR, Maine — Friday night’s strong-arm robbery of a Hampden man was among six reported to Bangor police in the past two weeks and among 17 reported since the beginning of this year, Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards noted Monday.
The 2009 year-to-date total is just two shy of the 19 robberies reported to city police during all of 2008, Edwards said.
Unlike burglaries, where only property is taken, robberies involve assaults, he said.
“They’re one of the worst crimes against people, other than rape,” he said. “It’s like a double whammy” for victims.
Edwards said city police have not been able to peg the spike in robberies to any one factor. Rather, the cases seem to stem from a combination of factors, ranging from the poor economy and layoffs to desperation and drug and alcohol addiction.
According to Edwards, city police are beefing up patrols in remote areas and other spots where robberies are likely to occur. They also are being briefed about circumstances presenting an increased potential for such crimes.
Edwards said two of the robberies reported to Bangor police since July 1 have been cleared and have resulted in arrests. The other four cases remain under investigation. Following are brief descriptions:
• July 1, 10:50 p.m. — male reported he was riding his bicycle on First Street when several young males on bicycles caught him, “jumped him,” knocked him to the ground. They stole his beer and cigarettes before fleeing.
• July 10, about 6:45 p.m. — Police received a report from a female who saw three men assault a man behind the Penobscot Plaza. Officers found a male near the railroad tracks suffering from scrapes and bruises. The victim said he had just met three men in Gomez Park and that they walked to an area behind the Penobscot Plaza. When they all arrived, the men assaulted the victim and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
• July 12, about 1 p.m. — A man crossing the footbridge behind Coe Park, in the same area where Friday’s robbery of a Hampden man took place, was accosted and assaulted after money was demanded from him. Undisclosed property was taken from the victim, who required medical treatment at a local hospital.
Also Monday, Edward offered the following anti-robbery tips:
• Avoid walking alone on the streets at night. If you must do so, use well-lighted roads and keep away from shrubbery where a robber might be hiding. Steer clear of strangers, and if you think you are being followed, cross the street and head for the nearest public place.
• Appear alert and sober. Walk briskly and with confidence so thieves won’t perceive you as easy prey.
• Avoid parks, vacant lots, alleys and wooded areas at night. Know which stores and public buildings are open on your route. Look out for anyone lingering near your car and have your keys in hand and be ready to open the car door.
• If you are robbed, do not panic and do not resist. The robber wants your valuables, not you. Obey the robber’s instructions and do not argue. Try to remember the robber’s exact words, as that may help police.
• Pay attention to what is happening and look for distinguishing characteristics, such as scars, marks, tattoos, a limp or an accent. Note the robber’s height and weight compared to your own so you can estimate the size of your attacker.
• Take note of any weapon because you will have to describe it to police. If the robber indicates he has a weapon, assume it is a gun and that it’s loaded.
• If you are robbed, or see someone else robbed, call the police immediately.
990-8189