Boston University Police Crime Alert: Residential Thefts
Timely Warning
Thefts inside Residential Areas
February 4, 2021
Please be advised that detailed information below regarding thefts that occurred on campus that may affect members of the BU community.
Location of Incidents: 46 Mountfort St and 6 Buswell St
01/27 – 01/28 Between 1AM & 8AM 46 Mountfort St.
01/30 – 01/31 Evening hours 46 Mountfort St.
02/02 – 02/03 Evening and Daytime hours 6 Buswell St.
Summary of Facts: The pattern indicates that a person or persons is active in the BU South Campus area targeting unlocked apartments and taking clothing items and personal property including opening mail.
Suspect: On 1/30/20, Residential Life staff notified BUPD of a suspicious person in the laundry room of 46 Mountfort St. On 1/31/21 BUPD did identify and trespassed a male in the area from BU Property who fit the description. Investigation is ongoing.
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 texting the word ‘BU’ to TIP411 (847411). We appreciate any information that you are comfortable sharing with us.
Resources: Being the victim of 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 instincts – 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