RICHMOND, Va. — Police are investigating after a woman said she woke up Tuesday to find a strange man in her bedroom. Police were called to the 1100 block of W. Marshall Street before sunrise Tuesday.
“The resident was awoken to a noise in her apartment. She sat up and observed a black male in her room. She yelled at the male who fled out of the rear of the residence and was last seen running westbound on foot,” VCU Police wrote in an alert to the university community. “It can be assumed that conditions continue to exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the community. Police have increased patrols in this area.”
Richmond Police are leading the investigation.
The man, who appeared to be in his 30s, was last seen wearing a black hat, black hoodie, and white shoes.
VCU Police offered the following safety advice to students:
Always lock all windows and doors even when home.
Never hide a key to your home outside. Burglars often know all the hiding places.
Good lighting is a deterrent to crime and allows residents to see the pathway from their vehicle to their home. All entry doors should be equipped with lighting.
Motion lighting is a good option in areas that may be intrusive to neighbors.
If you are going out of town, make arrangements to have mail picked up daily or have the post office suspend mail deliveries.
Reflective house or street numbers clearly visible on your home can save valuable time and assist first responders locate your home.
When going out of town, and if you live in the City of Richmond off campus, notify the city to be placed on the vacation watch list.
Keep shades or curtains drawn after dark.
“Case” your residence the way an intruder would and look for ways to enter your residence.
Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors.
Trim trees and shrubs near windows and doors so intruders can’t hide in the shadows.
Look out for your neighbors; immediately report suspicious people and activity to police.
