Police: Paying attention to detail may keep you safe

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - In light of all the recent robberies and robbery attempts, we got expert advice on how you can best protect yourself.

Timeline: Apartment robberies and attempts

Police tell NewsChannel 15 paying attention to detail may be what keeps you from falling victim to this dangerous string of apartment armed robberies.  Fort Wayne police officer, Michael Joyner, said you should be aware of your surroundings.

"Any unfamiliar face or vehicle should stand out.  Now this should be your first red flag.  Is this possibly an individual that is preying on the individuals here," Joyner explained.

Taking that one step further - look for suspicious cars stalling in your parking area.

"Notice those types of things.  Why is this vehicle running in this area? Is it occupied? If you see something like this and you're in your vehicle - stay in your vehicle.  Drive through the parking lot.  If you suspect the worst, call 911."

Police will come out to where you are and check out the situation.

When you go to park your car, be sure not to park by dumpsters or dense, tall landscaping.  The best spot is in a well lit area.

"Obviously this makes it more difficult for a perpetrator to hide or conceal himself."

If you happen to get approached, Joyner said you should stay calm and do what they tell you to.

"There's no reason for you not to.  Look, they've got the advantage on you.  Here in the cases we've been dealing with, they have been armed."

Getting suspect descriptions

Suspect descriptions are important.  Police need it so they can track down the criminal(s). 

• Victims should make mental notes of what the getaway vehicle looks like - is it a two door or a four door.
•     Does it have an Indiana plate?
•     And also what the suspect looks like.

You should report anything suspicious to Fort Wayne Police at (260) 427-1201 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 237-STOP [7867].