Quote from Minneapolis Police Department ........... Give the attackers what they want. The more you resist, the more likely it is that you will be injured.

????Give the attackers what they want???? Fuck that shit

Robbery is just the prelude to the real fun...when then stomp the shit out of you.

I'd like to hear the opinion of Michael Zebur (killed at Calhoun Square in March 2006, after he had given up his valuables in front of his mother and sister)

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http://mplscrimewatch.blogspot.com/2008 ... ts-in.html

http://www.startribune.com/local/359006 ... page=2&c=y



http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2008 ... reenwa.php


MPD has issued a crime alert for the area. Bicyclists make inviting targets for criminals because they are vulnerable if knocked down. There have been inklings of this sort of thing in the past and I've posted whatever I've seen or read at that time.

The City Pages has already commented on it. And the Star Tribune put both their cops reporter David Chanen and their city reporter Steve Brandt on it. It's actually pretty amazing, since I left work early for an appointment and I wasn't online when it was issued and here are two stories about this already. Not exactly the same kind of reaction you get from robberies and assaults in North.

MPD Alert Below
-----------------------------------
Robbery/Assaults
‘Midtown Greenway - Hiawatha LRT Trail’

Recently we’ve had series of robbery/assaults on the Midtown Greenway. They’ve occurred in both the 3rd and 5th Precincts at different locations along the trail.

Typically the victim is surrounded and pushed off their bicycle. The attackers are taking wallets, backpacks and purses. Many of the assaults have occurred after dark. Some have occurred during daylight hours. So far the attackers are not stealing the victim’s bicycles.

The suspects have been described by their victims as groups of 2 or 3 younger males. At this time we do not have more specific descriptions of the suspects. It appears that more than one group of suspects may be committing these crimes.

The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating these crimes. Police are doing extra patrol on the Greenway. The Police Dept. met with the Midtown Greenway Coalition to discuss some prevention strategies.

What You Can Do?

If you can, avoid riding or walking the Greenway after dark.
Whenever possible ride/walk with others, not alone. You are much safer with a group than you are alone.

There are “Bluelight” phones at intervals on the Greenway that will connect you directly to 911. Carry a cell phone as well. If you aren’t close to a phone, you can call 911 if you need help.

Pay attention to your surroundings. If you see people ahead of you, that make you nervous or uncomfortable, exit the Greenway at the nearest ramp.

If you should be assaulted, try to stay calm. Give the attackers what they want. The more you resist, the more likely it is that you will be injured.

Be sure to wear a bike helmet while riding. If will reduce you chances of injury considerably.

When you call 911 give the operator your location. Due to recent changes in our police reporting system, the Greenway is now listed as a street (i.e. Midtown Greenway W. (Nicollet Ave.
westward) and Midtown Greenway E. (East of Nicollet to the river). When you riding or walking during daylight hours take some time to familiarize yourself with the addresses of the cross streets over the trail. It will help ensure a quicker police response.

If you have questions please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Don Greeley at the 3rd Precinct – 673-3482 or donald.greeley@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

I'm always amazed by the advice the police give.

They need to just say, "If you are legally packing while riding and see someone running at you from the side. Put two round in his chest and one in the head!"

I know I live in a dream world. I like my world

surrounded and pushed off your bicycle. I know some bikers who carry in a pack on the seat ... Time to re-evaluate that fellas. Need to have that defensive option on your person.

Camelbaks are great for carry. They actually have a line designed for carry. Also my bro (who admittedly goes high risk places) carries a boot knife vertically on the shoulder straps, which has to this point been drawn a couple times and been plenty of deterrence.

Well according to the article, wearing a bike helmet will solve the majority of your problems...

Midtown Greenway Bike Helmet



RAMMING SPEED!

Avoid riding, hide in your homes and never come out because the thugs are taking over the streets.
While you are getting the crap kicked out of you, you can call 911 with your magic cell phone.
Give the attackers what they want, get on your knees, pee in your pants and pray they let you live.
Wear a helmet, body armor, chain mail, suit of armor anything that will reduce your chances of injury.
Above all never defend yourself, which is the job of the police only.

This could be mitigated with a shoulder holster.

if you aren't close to a phone, how can you call 911? scream really loud?

easy solution - bicycle built for two - with the rear rider holding the Mossy 500 or the Rem 870!!!

so, does the greenway have security cameras monitored by desk-jockey cops (yet)? I suppose that will be next, as opposed to actually doing something about it - or suggesting that riders actually defend themselves against it...

I'm pretty sure that by the third or fourth Strib story about the 3 misguided youths who were killed by riders acting in self defense gets printed, the current spate of incidents would come to a halt!

Yes they do. Apparently not doing the riders much good, though I suppose it might aid in prosecution (if any).

I like your world too, Srigs!

Lets go trolling.... I call Tailgunner!! Who wants to be my wheel man.

forward that to the midtown Greenway Coalation....however they are "sheep"