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UCLA Police Encourage Students To Be Safe In Wake Of Attempted Sexual Assault, Robbery

WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — School officials are encouraging UCLA students to take safety measures in the wake of two recent unrelated crimes near the Westwood campus.

A student was walking alone around 12:30 a.m. Monday on Veteran's Ave., about a half mile from campus, when a suspect put a gun to his back and demanded his belongings.

The victim handed over his cell phone and wallet, and the suspect ran away.

About an hour later another suspect tried to sexually assault a student who was walking alone on campus.

The victim was walking on the sidewalk outside the Engineering IV building when the suspect grabbed her and tried to take her to the ground, but she broke free from his grasp and ran away.

"I think it's very important that every person, even guys, have a friend to walk with," student Valentine Hidayat said.

Campus police said they are increasing patrols on campus and are urging students to use a free UCLA escort service instead of walking alone.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about either crime to contact UCLA Police Department at (310)825-1491.

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