Duke police increase patrols after robberies

Duke University Police are increasing security patrols after two students were robbed in the same area off-campus this week.

The latest robbery happened around 9 p.m. Thursday on South LaSalle Street.

Police said a graduate student was approached by a man who punched him and took his cell phone.

The second robbery happened Wednesday morning when a student said her backpack was taken on the same street.

Neither student required medical attention.

Anyone with information on either case is asked to call Durham police at 919-560-4427, Duke Police at 919-684-2444, or Durham Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases. Callers may remain anonymous.