Hamline University’s Office Safety and Security was alerted this afternoon, Tuesday, November 18, about suspicious behavior that has taken place recently outside of the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center, located 1.3 miles north on Snelling from Hamline’s Saint Paul Campus, at 1480 North Snelling Avenue.
Within the past week, there have been reports of two vehicles approaching female staff and students of the Job Corps Center and attempting to draw them toward the vehicles. In one instance, the vehicle pulled into the center’s parking lot and blocked a staff member who was walking to her car. According to the center, the approaches have varied and all attempts to lure female staff and students toward or into the vehicles have been unsuccessful.
Descriptions of the suspects are limited. Witnesses have reported that the suspects are two white males. One of the vehicles involved has been described as a white van with license plate #SRJ587 and the other is described as a blue pick-up truck with license plate #KED403. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Safety and Security at 651-523-2100.
If you notice suspicious activity or inappropriate behavior, such as this, please call the Saint Paul Police immediately 911, and then contact Safety and Security at 651-523-2100.
In general, please be aware of and follow these safety guidelines to help keep yourself and Hamline University safe:
• Use the 24-hour, seven-days-a-week Safety and Security escort service. Call 651-523-2100
• If approached or confronted, get away as soon as possible! Run if necessary.
• Go to a safe location immediately and call for help. Call St. Paul Police 911 in an emergency. If on or near campus, call Safety & Security (651-523-2100) as soon as possible for assistance.
• Use well-lighted streets. Avoid isolated areas. Walk with a friend.
• Carry a small amount of cash and give it up readily.
• Always have your keys ready when you approach your vehicle or front door.
• Remember that carrying large or cumbersome packages makes you vulnerable.
• Ignore and walk away from panhandlers or tell them that you will call the police.
• If being followed, cross the street and go the other direction.
• Know where you are going and how to get there.
• Know where businesses and public buildings are located and their hours of operation.
• Never approach a person or situation that appears dangerous. Trust your instincts.
• Present a potential attacker with the impression that you are alert, aware of your surroundings and confident. Verbal commands, body language and distance provide a defense that can be used to escape or scare off an attacker.
