At least two international students have been robbed near Fisher Library and Victoria Park in the last week, with one incident involving an assault and broken finger.
Just after midnight last Friday morning, two international students were robbed by a group of three people while walking through Victoria Park. A NSW Police spokesperson said the couple were assaulted and a computer and cash were stolen.
In another incident at 10.30pm on Saturday, a 30-year old woman was assaulted and had her mobile phone stolen. Police said she was taken to RPA Hospital for treatment to a broken finger.
Honi understands both incidents have been well publicised through the Sydney University Chinese Students Association WeChat, though the University was unable to confirm whether the second incident involved an international student.
International students have told Honi they believe they are especially targeted when it comes to campus assaults and robberies.
A University spokesperson said the students from the first incident had been offered counselling.
“The University’s Campus Security contribute to the international student newsletter to provide updated information on personal safety”, they said.
In response to concerns about the level of security at the new 24 hour Fisher Library, they said there was “no evidence to suggest an increase of criminal incidents since the 24 hour library opened”.
“Campus Security have a number of uniformed officers on patrol inside Fisher Library and the Herbert Smith Freehills Law Library… Campus Security officers patrol the University grounds 24 hours and Newtown Police regularly patrol the grounds.”
Police from Newtown Local Area Command are appealing for anyone with information about either incident to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
