Dear members of the Drexel community,

Drexel Police and Philadelphia Police are currently investigating recent reports of a robbery and, separately, multiple motor vehicle thefts occurring within and around Drexel’s University City campus.

Robbery

The reported robbery occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at the intersection of 32nd Street and JFK Boulevard. The complainant reported that an unknown person approached her, asked for what was in her pocket, and demanded that she give him her cell phone. The victim sprayed the offender with pepper spray, at which point the offender fled the location. The offender was last seen heading west on Market Street from JFK Boulevard.

The offender in this incident is described as a Black male, late 20s, fit build, with short hair, wearing a light gray sweatshirt and jeans.

Vehicle Thefts

The Department of Public Safety has also seen a continued increase in motor vehicle thefts within and around the University City Campus during the month of May. These incidents occurred at various times throughout the day and evening and in the area from 31st to 36th Streets. In most incidents, the vehicles were left unoccupied and running with keys inside.

Vehicle thefts were reported on the following dates and locations:

• May 10 – 3200 block of Hamilton Street 
• May 17 – General Services Building Garage - 3300 block of Market Street 
• May 19 – 3300 block of Market Street 
• May 23 – 3400 block of Warren Street 
• May 23 – 400 block of N. 34th Street 
• May 24 – 3300 block of Hamilton Street

Drexel Police and Philadelphia Police are continuing to investigate the matter; no arrests have been made.  

Safety Tips

Drexel Public Safety encourages students, faculty and staff to be alert, take precautions, and report crimes and suspicious activities. Your efforts to stay well-informed and take preventive action will help in maintaining the safest possible environment on Drexel’s campuses.

Police are reminding everyone to be aware of their surroundings, to not have cell phones and other valuables visible, and to walk with others when possible. Do not leave vehicles unlocked or running with the keys inside.

Members of the Drexel community may call Public Safety for a walking escort at 215.895.2222 or use the Drexel Guardian app. Crime prevention and awareness tips can be found on the Public Safety website.

Any suspicious activity should immediately be reported to Philadelphia police by calling 911 or Drexel police by calling 215.895.2222.

Sincerely,

Mel Singleton

Vice President/Chief of Police

Department of Public Safety

Dear members of the Drexel community,

Drexel Police are advising the campus community of an assault that occurred on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. on the unit block of South 34th Street (between Market and Chestnut), which was reported to Drexel Police Monday night. The victim reported that they were walking to class when approached by the offender who, while yelling threats and obscenities, spat at the victim. The offender is described as a Black male, late teens to early 20s, short stature, dark complected, wearing all black clothing and carrying a backpack. He was last seen on the 3400 block of Market Street.

Drexel Police are continuing to investigate this matter; no arrests have been made.

If you are approached by someone matching this description, immediately contact Drexel Police at 215.895.2222.

Drexel Public Safety encourages students, faculty and staff to be alert, take precautions, and report crimes and suspicious activities. Your efforts to stay well-informed and take preventive action will help in maintaining the safest possible environment on Drexel’s campuses.

Police are reminding everyone to be aware of their surroundings, to not have cell phones and other valuables visible, and to walk with others when possible.

Members of the Drexel community may call Public Safety for a walking escort at 215.895.2222 or use the Drexel Guardian app. Additional crime prevention and awareness tips can be found on the Public Safety website.

Any suspicious activity should immediately be reported to Philadelphia police by calling 911 or Drexel police by calling 215.895.2222.

Sincerely,

Mel Singleton

Vice President/Chief of Police

Department of Public Safety