Armed robbery punctuates break-in spree

Two 18-year-old victims were robbed at gunpoint last Friday at Pirates Place apartments. The victims surrendered $6 in cash, two cellular phones valuing $195 and two sets of keys and were left uninjured.

This latest armed robbery follows a string of break-ins in apartment complexes populated by students. The Bellamy, North Campus Crossing, Copper Beech and The Exchange apartments all suffered from a rash of break-ins during the past month.

"We thought we would have issues during Halloween, but it was quiet as a mouse," said a representative for Pirates Place. During the Halloween weekend, police were called to North Campus Crossing for nine separate motor vehicle break-ins and at least one forced entry into an apartment.

Halloween is a troublesome night for many apartment complexes, which typically notice an increase in crime during the night.

North Campus Crossing has been prey to several car break-ins in the recent months, consisting mostly of stolen stereo systems and electronics.

North Campus Crossing was identified in a recent City of Greenville crime summit as one of several "hot spots" around Pitt County where calls for service have increased.

Property managers have noticed a growing crime trend, especially during football game days and big events. Measures taken at Pirates Place include employing two Greenville police officers, who live at the complex, and outfitting each unit with heavy duty deadbolts.

Complexes like The Bellamy and Pirates Place also surround their complexes with gates to control foot traffic and ensure the safety of their residents.

Emily Toscano, who lives at Campus Towers, said she feels very safe at her apartment complex, even though there are sporadic occasions when strangers wander through the halls.

However, she said more security guards would make her feel safer.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.