The city of St. Paul has experienced 14 robberies or attempted robberies in just the first 12 days of the year, according to police.
“Some suspects were armed, some weren’t. Some people have been robbed while on foot, others while in their vehicles. All were shaken up,” police said in a public safety notice issued Wednesday.
The police department is encouraging residents to be aware of their surroundings, call 911 if they observe suspicious behavior, and walk in well-lit areas.
“Carry your keys in your hand while approaching your vehicle, be ready to make a quick entry and lock your doors immediately,” the department recommends.
Police also say residents should walk with others whenever possible, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and refrain from rolling their windows down if someone approaches their vehicle.
“If you are robbed, immediately call 911. The Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center will ask for your location, the exact time of the robbery, which direction the suspect fled, what the suspect was wearing, if a weapon was used and what kind, description of suspect and vehicle, and anything else you can remember,” the department said.
Police are currently seeking help identifying a suspect in a Jan. 5 home invasion on the 2000 block of Margaret Street on the East Side. The man used a shovel to break in, stole a gun, and then shot and killed the family’s golden retriever as he made his escape.
“He’s described as a black male with a tattoo on his right cheek and tattoos on his right and left hands. He was wearing blue jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt with red lettering on the front, black and white shoes, and a black Chicago Blackhawks cap with a red brim,” police said.
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St. Paul Police Department/Facebook
