Police: UAlbany students put on alert following five break-ins | Chief 'extremely concerned'

ALBANY -- University at Albany Police Chief Frank Wiley has confirmed that Albany Police are investigating several incidents in which female students living off campus have awakened to the sight of man standing over them -- in some cases masturbating and carrying a knife.

CBS6 News has learned that one incident happened early Wednesday morning when a young female student living in the 200 block of Quail Street woke up to find a White or Hispanic male standing over her. She described the man at 5’10”, 170 pounds with a shaved head.

Chief Wiley said the student reacted and the man fled the scene and that she was not injured.

Investigators said he entered the apartment through an unlocked front door.

Wiley said this is the fourth such incident involving students living off campus.

UPDATE: Albany Police have released more information about five early morning break-ins in the city.

On July 23, in the 400 block of Third Street, a man entered through a window but did not take anything. The victim was unharmed.

On Aug. 4, in the 90 block of Chestnut Street, a man entered through an unlocked door and did not take anything. The victim was unharmed.

On Aug. 19, in the 300 block of Hudson Avenue, a man entered through a window and stole the victim’s purse. He touched the victim, but left the victims physically unharmed.

On Sept. 1, in the 200 block of Quail Street, a man got in and was found masturbating by the side of the victim’s bed. The victim kicked him and he put a knife to her face and told her not to scream. The victim took her purse and left. She was unharmed.

On Sept. 3, in the 400 block of Hamilton Street, a man entered through an unlocked door and stole money from victim’s purse. The victim was unharmed.

Meanwhile, the University Police have issued e-mails to students warning of an attack on two female UAlbany students at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday who were beaten and robbed by two unknown females near Western Avenue and Quail Street.

University Police advise students to travel in groups of three or four or more rather than in twos.

They also advise never to ride in a cab alone at night and to not appear inebriated in public and keep your cell phone handy to call for help if threatened.

When asked how this portends for the opening of a new school year Chief Wiley told Ken Screven "we’re quite concerned, extremely concerned."