Safety Awareness-Robbery on Franklin Street

On March 01, 2019, at about 3:45 p.m., two juvenile victims were walking home in the 2000 block of S. Franklin Street when an unknown suspect approached them with a weapon and demanded their property. The suspect fled the scene in a dark colored sedan. This incident remains under investigation and is reported on case number 041746-2019. 

The Dallas Police Department has been made aware of additional robberies being investigated by Dallas Independent School District Police and Cockrell Hill Police that have similar characteristics. The department’s Youth Division have been in contact with Dallas Independent School District Police regarding this string of robberies and are actively working the offense that occurred on March 1, 2019.

The Department would like to provide students and parents with the following robbery prevention tips when walking to and from school:

  • Have your parents walk your school route with you to make sure it is safe.

  • When your parents cannot walk you, walk with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency.

  • If you have a mobile device, do not have it visible unless necessary.

  • Don’t take short cuts.

  • If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car (you could get pulled in) and never get in it.

  • Remember, a stranger is anyone you and your parents don’t know or know well.

  • Remain alert and observe the people around you.  Know who is walking behind and in front of you. Things to watch for include suspicious persons or vehicles, people who are wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (e.g. a long or heavy coat in warm weather), and people just loitering around. If you think you are being followed, you can cross the street. If you think you are in danger, yell “help” and run to the nearest store or back to school.

  • Walk in well-lit areas. If possible, do not walk alone. 

  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, go to a crowded area.

If You Become A Victim of A Robbery:

  • Remain calm.
  • Make personal safety the number one priority.  Money and property can be replaced.

     

  • Carefully observe the physical characteristics of the robber.  Be a good witness. Note as much detail about the suspect(s) as possible.  (Age, race, height, facial hair, speech, clothing, odor, etc.)
  • When it is safe, notify the police by calling 911. Police dispatch will ask for the location of the robbery, whether anyone is injured, the exact time the robber(s) left and their direction of travel, the kind of weapon used, description of the vehicle, the robber(s) description, their clothing, appearance or unique features, money or items taken, and other information to assist responding officers.
  • Ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive.  If they cannot stay, get their name, address and phone number. 
  • Write down all suspect information immediately and do not discuss the robbery with others until questioned by the police.  Comparing notes could cause memories to be skewed.