Knife-point Robbery On Rutgers College Ave. Campus, Police Say

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Someone who is affiliated with Rutgers was assaulted and robbed Wednesday night on Bartlett Street, on the College Avenue campus, said Rutgers Police.

The aggravated assault and knife-point robbery occurred at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, said police.

The victim reported that while walking in front of 17 Bartlett Street he was assaulted by four men. The perpetrators forced him into the alley between 15 and 17 Bartlett Street where they displayed a knife and forcibly removed his personal property. The victim said he was punched several times by the perpetrators before they fled on foot with his belongings.

The victim sustained minor physical injuries and declined medical attention.

Rutgers police do not usually say if the victim is a student or Rutgers teacher; they only say someone "affiliated with Rutgers."

The description of the four perpetrators is limited at this time.

The Rutgers University Police Department asks that anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time, contact the RUPD’s Detective Bureau at 848-932-8025.

Catalytic converters being stolen from cars in Rutgers parking lots

In addition, Rutgers Police say they are noticing the thefts of catalytic converters. Just across the river, in Highland Park, police said just this week they are noticing the trend there, as well.

Between April 3 and April 26, catalytic converters were cut from underneath several cars parked on campus parking lots located in the area of Nichols Apartments (184 Davidson Rd. Piscataway), Busch Campus Center (604 Bartholomew Rd. Piscataway), and the Administrative Services Building II (57 US Highway 1, New Brunswick), said Rutgers campus police.

The vehicles targeted included a Honda SUV, Toyota Prius and Ford vans/SUV. It has been reported throughout the state of New Jersey that catalytic converters from work trucks, SUVs, recreational vehicles, box trucks, vans and hybrid cars are commonly stolen.

From Rutgers campus police, here are tips to protect your car from catalytic converter theft:

• Park your car in a garage or well-lit area
• Adjust the alarm on your car to activate from vibrations, such as those produced by a saw
• Consider installing a catalytic converter-specific security device

Highland Park Police: Catalytic Converter Thefts Are On The Rise (May 11)

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