A popular one-stop-shop frequented by UD students recently experienced an attempted robbery.

No, the Deli hasn't been broken into. But, on Nov. 4, there was an attempted robbery at the Moraine Walmart.

Despite being located in Moraine, it is just a few miles from campus. Students both drive to and are bused to this Walmart branch every weekend.

As reported by the Dayton Daily News, early on the morning of Wednesday Nov. 4, a man attempted to rob a cashier by hitting and knocking her to the ground and grabbing money from the cash register. However, other Walmart employees were able to grab the robber and restrain him until police arrived. While ultimately this crime was unsuccessful, it still raises questions of safety for UD students.

Bruce Burt, executive director of Public Safety and chief of police , offered some tips for students to stay safe while shopping.

"[It's important to] always be alert and aware of your surroundings to avoid walking into dark or isolated areas in parking lots. Know who is around you," he said. "Avoid suspicious persons or groups who appear to be hanging out or waiting in an area with no apparent purpose."

Burt advises students if they do see suspicious persons, to report them to security personnel. Traveling and walking in groups is always a good way to be safe. For instance, students should go shopping with roommates instead of by themselves.

All of these tips are applicable for more than just Walmart. There are many shopping opportunities in walking distance of campus. Brown Street often feels like an extension of UD, but it's important to remember we actually live in a city and to be aware accordingly. Especially at night, it's advised for students to travel in groups.

However when students do drive to go shopping, Burt reminds students to "lock the vehicle when unattended and return to your vehicle with keys in hand so you have immediate access to unlocking or using the horn as an alert if needed." Shoppers need to be conscious about their money and credit/debit cards as well. It's not safe to display large amounts of cash when in public areas.

"Make sure you protect yourself from being observed when entering PINS for credit card or debit card transactions," Burt said.

In locations like shopping centers, as well as in Kennedy Union and other ATMs around campus, students need to be aware of who may be able to see them entering their codes. Finally, at all times, Burt advises students to "maintain control over personal belongings and don't leave purses or other valuables in shopping carts or vehicles unattended." This will ensure protection of students' valuables as well as decreases their visibility as a target for theft.

John Skarzynski, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, practices a lot of these tips when shopping. He goes to the Moraine Walmart regularly for his grocery shopping.

"It's well lit, and there's a lot of people there," he said.

He feels safe, but acknowledges there is potential for problems. However, the convenience of the location outweighs any possible risks.

"I'd have to drive even further to shop somewhere else," Skarzynski said. "I always go with my roommates and I've never felt unsafe there."