Written By: John Stephen

Two VSU students became the victims of armed robbery when they were walking through Drexel Park a little after midnight on Sept. 9, according to police reports.

Lt. Cindy Cobb of the VSU Police Department said the offenders – meaning more than one – stole a phone and multiple wallets. The phone was later recovered, but Cobb is unsure if the wallets have been recovered yet.

Immediately after the crime occurred, a message went out to all VSU students via the University’s Campus Alert System, which utilizes email, texting and voice calls to inform students of emergencies and safety issues.

The message revealed that Valdosta City Police had reported an armed robbery near campus and gave a number to call for those with any relevant information; no other details were provided.

Drexel Park is situated right next to campus along Patterson Street and Brookwood Drive. The park sees a significant amount of pedestrian traffic throughout the day and night.

Cobb said the VSUPD is thankful the victims did not suffer any life-threatening harm and reported that they will be patrolling the park area more often.

Cobb also advised students to be more careful when traveling through the Drexel Park area.

“We ask that students stay out of the park after dark (and) be more attentive to their surroundings,” Cobb said. “The offender(s) may approach appearing to be a student; (they) linger around, and then they rob.”