ROCHESTER (WWJ) — Oakland University police are investigating after five masked men allegedly tried to rob a female student in her dorm.
The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 on the second floor at Oak View Hall, near Walton Boulevard and Squirrel Road.
OUPD officials say the student was approached by five men wearing ski masks as she was making her way to her dorm room. The men allegedly asked if she “wanted some company” and asked if she had a roommate, according to police.
The suspects then asked if they could take her car for a ride, officials said.
That’s when a struggle ensued as one of the suspects tried to take her car keys from her hand, according to police.
The student yelled for help and her roommate opened the door to their room, causing all five suspects to run away. Police say the suspects were all roughly 6-foot and were all wearing dark jackets and ski masks. No other description was provided.
Officials are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or knows something about the attempted robbery to call the OUPD at (248) 370-3331.
OUPD shared the following list of robbery prevention tips for all campus community members:
• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
• Show confidence – Walk at a steady pace, keep your head up, and show that you are ready to respond to a threat.
• Be observant of your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or look at your cell phone when walking.
• Stick to well lighted streets and well-populated areas.
• Walk with friends or in a group.
• Never reveal large amounts of money or other valuables.
• Do not use ATM machines at night.
• If confronted by a robber, stay calm and do as instructed.
• Get a look at the robber, but don’t stare. Do your best to identify something distinctive about the suspect(s).
• Don’t chase or follow the robber. Let the police do so.
More on today's top stories: