2.10.2011

Inaccurate E-mail about Robberies

During the past week, the Raleigh Police Department has received inquiries from the media and from members of the public regarding an e-mail that appears to have been widely circulated in and around the city.

As is often the case with similar messages, the particulars differ somewhat between versions of the e-mail, but in its most common form, the message provides a warning to readers about a supposed widespread pattern of individuals being robbed in Wal-Mart parking lots. That is simply not accurate.

Since Jan. 1, 2010, one person has reported being robbed while in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in Raleigh. That strong-arm robbery incident involved a purse snatching, and a suspect in the case was identified and arrested.

As always, the Raleigh Police Department advises people to be alert and aware of their surroundings while doing shopping and other activities, but there is no reason to believe that heightened danger exists in retail parking lots.

As a reminder, Raleigh crime for the previous 30 days can be searched on the City of Raleigh’s portal www.raleighnc.gov. (Click Maps on the right side of the home page, and then click iMaps on the right side after the first map loads.)

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