Boston University Police Crime Alert: Residential Thefts
Subject: Boston University Police Crime Alert: Residential Thefts
Timely Warning
Thefts inside Residential Areas
November 22, 2019
Please be advised that detailed information below regarding several thefts
that occurred on campus that may affect members of the BU community.
Location of Incidents:
11/12/2019 – Between 10AM & 11 AM – 22 Buswell St.
11/15/2019 – Between 2PM & 4PM – 46 Mountfort St.
11/20/2019 – Between 9AM & 5PM – 14 Buswell St.
11/21/2019 –- Between 9AM & 5PM – 22 Buswell St.
Summary of Facts:
At this time we do not have any reason to believe that any of these thefts are
connected. However the pattern indicates that a person or persons is active in the
BU South Campus area targeting unlocked apartments and taking items such as
electronics, computers, phones, and clothing items.
Suspect:
We have no suspect information at this time.
Follow Up:
The Boston University Police Detective Unit is actively reviewing the facts and
circumstances surrounding these incidents and is encouraging anyone who may
have information to come forward and contact the Boston University Police at
(617) 353-2121.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do
so by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the
word ‘BU’ to TIP411 (847411). We appreciate any information that you are
comfortable sharing with us.
Thanksgiving Break
A lot of your neighbors will be travelling during Thanksgiving break which all
thieves know is a great opportunity to go undetected. Please take special care to
lock up your residence before departing and take your valuable items with you.
BUPD will remain on duty and available throughout the break.
Read the Boston Police Reminder about Thanksgiving Break here
Resources
Being the victim of any crime can be traumatizing. Call BU Student Health
Services at 617-353-3575 or BUPD anytime at 617-353-2121 to get in touch with a
professional counselor. If your room door does not lock properly, call Facilities
Management at 617-353-2105.
The following is provided as a reminder to our BU Community:
Risk reduction and safety precautions:
Don’t confront a thief yourself. These individuals are generally in
search of property and it is not worth getting in a physical
confrontation with them.
Recognize the signs. If you see damage to your door, especially
around the door handle, don’t enter the room. You don’t want to
surprise a thief. Go somewhere safe and call BUPD to come check it
out.
Make it hard on them. Thieves will look for unlocked doors and
windows. By locking the door to your residence and locking any
window with access to a fire escape, you dramatically reduce your
chances of being victimized.
Help your neighbor. Close any common doors to the building that are
left propped open and unattended. If a thief can get easy access to the
building they can easily look for unlocked rooms.
Know your neighbors. When you recognize your neighbors, it’s
easier to spot someone who shouldn’t be in your building.
See Something Say Something
Program your cell phone with the BU Police emergency number
617-353-2121. Call us if you need assistance on or near the BU
Charles River, Fenway or Medical Campus. We are ready to
respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
If you are off campus call 911.
Text BUPD anonymously by texting “BU” to 847411.
Additional safety strategies:
If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency
telephone or dial 3-2121 from any on campus telephone.
Utilize Scarlet Safe Walk 617-353-4877 or public transportation.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Pay attention to our BU Alert messages and keep your information up
to date.
Trust your instinct – if a particular situation makes you feel uncomfortable or
unsafe, choose an alternative.
Let your friends know when you are leaving and arriving at your
destination at the end of the night.
Issued by:
Boston University Police Department
617-353-2121
WHAT IS THIS NOTICE?
This notice is a Timely Warning which is intended to alert our community about
certain crimes occurring on campus which represent a serious or continuing threat
to the community. We intend to provide as much information as possible in the
hope of preventing another such incident.
FEEDBACK: We welcome your feedback to help make our messages better. Please
send to bupolice@bu.edu