Crime & Safety

Police Investigating Two Similar Robberies Back To Back In New Brunswick

Although police haven't confirmed the incidents as related, both robberies involved similar patterns and occurred within hours of each other

The New Brunswick Police Department is currently investigating two robberies which were reported this week and occurred within a few short hours of each other, according to a Nixle alert issued by department.

According to police, the first incident occurred at approximately 6:12 p.m. on Monday, December 29, at an off-campus residence located in the area of Jones Avenue and Townsend Street in New Brunswick.

In this incident, the victim is affiliated with Rutgers University, but police did not specify in what way. The victim reported to police that three male perpetrators entered his unsecured residence and allegedly displayed a firearm while demanding narcotics. Prior to leaving the residence, the perpetrators removed several items of value and a small quantity of narcotics. The victim was not physically injured during this incident.

Find out what's happening in New Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The second incident occurred just a few short hours later, at approximately 1:05 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, within an off-campus residence located in the area of Central Avenue and Prosper Street in New Brunswick.

In this incident, the victims, who police say are affiliated with the University, reported that three male perpetrators entered the unsecured residence and displayed a firearm while demanding items of value. The perpetrators were specific in their demands, displaying prior knowledge of the location of valuables within the home. The New Brunswick Police Department has indicated the presence of narcotics at the scene.

Find out what's happening in New Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

One of the victims was physically assaulted and sustained non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

For both incidents the perpetrators fled the area in an unknown direction, and their descriptions are limited at this time. It is unknown if the incidents are related.

The New Brunswick Police Department is actively investigating these incidents and asks that anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time, contact the New Brunswick Police Department Detective Bureau at 732-745-5217.

Stay on top of Patch’s local coverage of New Brunswick by subscribing to the daily New Brunswick Patch newsletter by clicking here.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.