A Message from the Chief of Police and the Dean of Students
We are writing to update you about two incidents that you may have heard about via local media – both incidents occurred during this weekend in nearby, off-campus locations. (First, we encourage you to read the article in BU Today that may be found at this link: http://www.bu.edu/today/node/6509.)
On Saturday evening, March 29, at approximately 11:15 p.m., on Park Drive near Beacon Street, one of our students reported that a tall, heavy-set, middle-aged, black male stepped out from behind a parked truck and demanded that she give him her purse. This male suspect then searched through the student’s clothing for money, took her wallet, and fled.
In a second incident that took place at approximately 2:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, on Crowninshield Road, in Brookline, another student reported sitting alone on the steps of a residence, using her telephone, when she was robbed and sexually assaulted. The attacker fled when this student screamed. The suspect in this incident is a thin to medium-build, 5’8”—5’10,” male with a light-colored complexion.
We assure you that we are concerned with these recent crimes and are taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety. The Boston University Police Department is working with the Boston and Brookline police departments to conduct a full investigation of these crimes and to increase police visibility and patrols within these areas.
Although these incidents are harsh reminders of criminal behavior within urban settings, this is a relatively safe area within one of the country’s safest cities. However, we cannot take our personal safety for granted. Again, we stress a few simple, but effective, safety tips:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, whether on or off campus
- At night, walk with friends or others
- If you don’t have anyone to walk with at night, use the Escort Security Service (617-353-4877)
- Immediately report anyone or anything you believe is suspicious to the Boston University Police Department (617-353-2121)
- Familiarize yourself with the locations of emergency blue light boxes that dial directly to the Boston University Police department and provides us with your location.
As the weather improves and we increase the amount of time we are outdoors, we encourage you to take a moment to think about your own personal safety and another moment to encourage your friends and other members of this community to do the same. Together with the Boston University Police Department, students, staff and faculty, we share the responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. Each one of us can improve our community’s welfare by reporting crime and unsafe conditions, and by helping others. The telephone number to the Boston University Police Department is located on the back of your Terrier ID Card (617-353-2121 – if you are able to do so, please program this number into your telephone and do not hesitate to use it.)
If you have any concerns regarding your personal safety here at Boston University, please don’t hesitate to contact the Police Department or the Office of the Dean of Students. Finally, we invite all of you to our next Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. in the George Sherman Union.
Stay safe and stay well,
Kenneth Elmore
Dean of Students
Thomas G. Robbins
Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety