On Monday, police announced they are offering a reward for information about an assault and robbery that happened last week to a co-founder of the Durham non-profit, "Self Help Credit Union."

The incident happend Nov. 24 in the Corcoran Street parking garage in downtown Durham. Police said a 54-year-old man was getting on the elevator in the parking garage around 8:15 p.m. when four men approached him, punched him in the head several times and took his wallet, cash and two cell phones.

Leslie Dunlap works at Self Help and said the incident hit close to home.

"You just never think it's going to happen to you or one of your co-workers," she said.

She works with victim of the assault and robbery and is glad to see the increased police presence in area. She also said in light of the incident, more people are now walking in pairs to their cars. It's also prompted her to take advantage of a safety option she never did before.

"As a matter of fact, I just called and that's why the security guard's here, to escort me to my car," Dunlap said.

Youseff Carter also works at Self Help and uses that same parking garage.

"This is the first time I actually knew somebody who was attacked," he said.

He's concerned about the area not being well-lit after dark.

"There are some people that work late so of course with daylight savings time and it getting dark around 5 p.m., there has been security issues," he said.

In addition to the police reward, Self-Help is offering an additional $5,000 reward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator A.C. Rogers at 560-4406 ext. 270 or Crimestoppers at 683-1200. Callers never have to identify themselves.