As two teens face court accused of multiple knife-wielding attempted robberies at the University of Wollongong, students and staff have been reassured by UOW.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
During a 30-minute period, three people were allegedly threatened with a knife during separate incidents, from 7pm on Saturday, March 23.
"Officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended, and were told two females and a male were allegedly threatened with a knife by two teenage girls before they fled the scene empty handed," a NSW Police spokeswoman said.
"The two women aged 26 and 34, and male aged 53, were not physically injured."
By 10am the following day (Sunday), police arrested two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, on the university grounds.
"Police will allege the teenagers were involved in three robberies on the university grounds," the spokeswoman said.
UOW interim deputy vice chancellor, Professor Eileen McLaughlin, said safety and wellbeing of students and staff is a top priority.
"The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is the University of Wollongong's top priority, and any incident that affects the safety of any of our students is cause for concern," she said.
"We work closely and proactively with Wollongong police, Wollongong City Council, student groups and the wider community to develop strategies to prevent incidents wherever possible and to provide a welcoming and safe environment for students - both on- and off-campus."
Prof McLaughlin said UOW provides information and resources to enhance student safety, including a SafeZone app.
"After-dark safety escorts are provided to staff or students on request and can also be provided at other times," she said.
The teenage girls were charged with three counts of assault with intent to rob armed with offensive weapon and stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm (personal).
In addition, the 15-year-old was charged with possessing a prohibited drug.
The teenagers faced a Children's Court on Monday, March 25. They did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.
The UOW 24-Hour Student Wellbeing Support Line provides free and confidential help and operates all rear round, call 1300 036 149 or text 0488 884 164.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
