BUPD Steps Up Patrols After Robberies
Spring Break incidents prompt collaboration with BPD, other universities
The Boston University Police Department, working with the Boston Police Department and the Transit Police, have stepped up patrols near the West Campus and Packard’s Corner neighborhoods following three robberies that took place nearby earlier this month.
BU Police Chief Thomas Robbins says that the department is also working with other colleges and universities in the area to try to obtain more information about the individual, or individuals, involved in the crimes.
“When an incident like this occurs, we try, first and foremost, to prevent another occurrence by having our department as a visible presence in the area,” Robbins says. “By concentrating on an area for a period of time, the presence acts as a deterrent for further crime.”
In the first incident, which took place after 1 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, a BU student was tackled from behind in an attempted robbery that took place near 275 Babcock St. Two additional robberies were reported to the Boston Police Department on the same day, one involving a BU student robbed at knifepoint at 1197 Commonwealth Ave., and another woman, not a student, robbed at knifepoint at 1114 Commonwealth Ave. Robbins says there is not yet enough information to put together a composite sketch of the assailant or assailants.
District 14 of the Boston Police Department issued a safety advisory about the incidents, noting that the victims were walking alone at the time of the attacks, and advising students to make sure they have a mobile phone on them to make emergency calls. In addition, the district advised students against fighting against an armed suspect if an incident occurs.
Robbins sent an e-mail message to the BU community after spring break, reporting on the incidents and urging students to take safety precautions when they are out in the city. The police chief advised students to:
• Always be aware of your surroundings, whether on or off campus.
• At night, walk with friends or others in the area if you can.
• If you don’t have anyone to walk with at night, use the Escort Security Service, 617-353-4877.
• Report anyone or anything deemed suspicious immediately to the Boston University Police Department, 617-353-2121.
• Familiarize yourself with the locations of the Emergency Blue Light Boxes that dial directly to the police department and provide us with your location.
Jessica Ullian can be reached at jullian@bu.edu.
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