Student safety a top concern following armed robbery at Duke

The most recent was Monday, when a student was robbed less than a mile from the Chapel.

According to campus police, two people flashed handguns, took some items from the student and left the scene in a red truck or SUV. The incident happened at about 1 a.m.

When the crime alert came across Molly Howard's phone, she was not surprised.

"Unfortunately, you get used to getting Duke alerts like that," she said. "It's a little weird to hear about it happening on west campus. Usually, you hear more about it on central campus."

Monday's incident was the third armed robbery involving Duke students since July. In recent years, Duke has tripled the number of security guards on its campuses.

Duke student Alex Bressler said he is very appreciative of the added efforts.

"I have noticed that campus has stepped up security," he said. "We have guards at both bus stops, and they are there all the time."

According to Kyle Cavanaugh, Duke's vice president for administration, the university has invested in numerous safety initiatives, including door access systems, lights, cameras and communication tools.

"The increase in crime across the city, which finds its way on campus, remains both a frustration and an ongoing concern," he said in a statement.