Spring Break
Conservatory student robbed at PAC
Alexia Lang
Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: News
A UMKC Conservatory student was robbed at gunpoint by two men Nov. 17 as she left the Performing Arts Center (PAC) after an opera rehearsal.
The thieves took 18-year-old Sarah Brozovich's purse which contained $70, a debit card, an iPod and her cell phone.
"I was scared when I saw [the gun], but I remembered what my friend told me to do during something like this, so I stayed calm," she said.
After the robbery, Brozovich reentered the PAC and called the police. They were able to catch the perpetrators and recover all her belongings. They also discovered the weapon was actually an air-soft pistol and not a gun that could kill someone.
"I was glad they were able to catch them so quickly," Brozovich said.
On Nov. 20, Peter Witte, dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance, released a statement to Conservatory students about the incident.
He listed prevention tips including, do not hesitate to call police when confronted, keep residence rooms locked, walk in groups of at least two and stay on main walkways at night, familiarize yourself with the location of emergency phones and remove valuables from view and lock your vehicle when parking.
He also reminded students police escorts are available by calling extension 1515.
Brozovich, who was headed back to her dorm when the robbery happened, said she does not usually go out by herself.
"I'm a person who never goes anywhere by themselves, and the one time I do this happens," she said.
She added that, although she is grateful they retrieved her belongings, she was a little disappointed with campus police.
"I thought campus security would be a lot better. I know they can't be everywhere but they could've done better. Pretty much all I've seen them do is give tickets."
The identity of the robbers has not been released.
Teresa Sheffield contributed to this story.
tsheffield@unews.com and alang@unews.com
The thieves took 18-year-old Sarah Brozovich's purse which contained $70, a debit card, an iPod and her cell phone.
"I was scared when I saw [the gun], but I remembered what my friend told me to do during something like this, so I stayed calm," she said.
After the robbery, Brozovich reentered the PAC and called the police. They were able to catch the perpetrators and recover all her belongings. They also discovered the weapon was actually an air-soft pistol and not a gun that could kill someone.
"I was glad they were able to catch them so quickly," Brozovich said.
On Nov. 20, Peter Witte, dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance, released a statement to Conservatory students about the incident.
He listed prevention tips including, do not hesitate to call police when confronted, keep residence rooms locked, walk in groups of at least two and stay on main walkways at night, familiarize yourself with the location of emergency phones and remove valuables from view and lock your vehicle when parking.
He also reminded students police escorts are available by calling extension 1515.
Brozovich, who was headed back to her dorm when the robbery happened, said she does not usually go out by herself.
"I'm a person who never goes anywhere by themselves, and the one time I do this happens," she said.
She added that, although she is grateful they retrieved her belongings, she was a little disappointed with campus police.
"I thought campus security would be a lot better. I know they can't be everywhere but they could've done better. Pretty much all I've seen them do is give tickets."
The identity of the robbers has not been released.
Teresa Sheffield contributed to this story.
tsheffield@unews.com and alang@unews.com
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