University police are investigating the street robbery of a UCLA student on Friday morning on Levering Avenue.
The student was walking on Levering Avenue at around 5:55 a.m. when she was approached by a man, according to a UCPD statement released Friday. The man reportedly yelled, “Give me your phone,” and grabbed the student’s cell phone from her hands.
The man then ran from the student down Le Conte Avenue, the report stated.
The student was not injured, according to the report.
The man is described in the report as about 5 feet 7 inches, 150 pounds and 20 years old. He was wearing a black beanie with white stripes, a dark-colored jacket and dark-colored pants.
It is not yet known if the man was a UCLA student, said UCPD spokeswoman Nancy Greenstein.
The incident does not appear to be related to a similar cell phone robbery in January, Greenstein said. She said these are often crimes of opportunity, and may be more common right now because of the economy.
“If you come to a university, there is a greater likelihood people have cell phones and other equipment than if you are in a neighborhood,” Greenstein said.
Greenstein said students should always be aware of their surroundings. Often times in these instances students are engaged in other activities and are not always cognizant of what is going on around them, she said. Students should also avoid walking alone when possible.
If in a robbery situation, police recommend students comply with the person, get a detailed description of their characteristics and then call the police when safe.
Anyone with information about the robbery should call UCPD at 310-825-1491.
Compiled by Kylie Reynolds, Bruin senior staff.