Attacks Reported Near University of Pennsylvania Campus

PHILADELPHIA — The University of Pennsylvania is warning students and community members of random attacks on people near its campus.

In a letter to the school community, Penn officials said authorities have received reports of groups of young people slapping or striking individuals in the head on and near Penn’s campus.

Officials said these incidents occurred in the area of 40th to 38th Streets, from Market Street to Locust Street.

The victims are approached by one or more members of the group, who then, unprovoked, strike the unknown victim with open hand or closed fist, according to Penn's letter.

"We believe that this is connected to a nationwide social media trend," officials said.

Penn's Division of Public Safety is adding additional police and security in that area and working with city partners.

"We will continue, as long as necessary, to take steps to stop these events from happening so members of our community feel safe and unthreatened," Penn said.

Penn offered up these tips to reduce risks:

• Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
• Orient yourself to your surroundings (identify your location, nearby exits, etc.).
• Utilize 24/7/365 Walking Escort services (215-898-WALK/9255).
• Only carry necessary documents and keep your valuables out of sight.
• If you see someone exhibiting suspicious behavior, call 215-573-3333.

The public is urged to contact PennComm Emergency Communications Center at 215-573-3333 if they see such behavior happening. If witnessing these incidents outside the Penn Patrol Zone, which runs from 30th Street to 43rd Street and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue, call 911 to contact police.

Below are a few other ways community members can get help in the event of a similar incident:

• Blue Light Emergency Phones — If you observe a potential safety hazard, require assistance, notice suspicious activity, feel unsafe or need a walking escort, you can reach Public Safety directly through any emergency phone on campus. Just pick up the receiver or press the button.
• UPennAlert Registration — For information on how to register or update your contact information.
• Penn Guardian — Use the Penn Guardian App to stay in touch with Public Safety. Penn Guardian is a free app that allows Penn affiliates the ability to rapidly provide information about themselves, such as a medical condition, to the Division of Public Safety during an emergency.