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Crime Notices

Crime notices are issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). A notice is posted for crimes considered to be a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. These crimes must have occurred within those areas of the campus that are specifically defined in the Clery Act (on campus property, non-campus property owned or controlled by the University or public property bordering campus). This information is typically disseminated to campus community members via email and posted on the University homepage.

For your most up-to-date security policies, crime prevention programs, and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.

Below is an archive of crime notices.

Details of incidents.
Date Campus Incident
11-3-2023 Chicago/Evanston Theft of bicycles and scooters
6-4-2023 Chicago Update re: shooting
6-4-2023 Chicago Shooting
12-29-2021 Chicago Carjacking
12-11-2021 Chicago  Robbery
11-28-2021 Evanston Off-Campus Shooting
10-29-2021 Evanston Aggravated Assault
10-26-2021 Evanston Burglary Update
10-25-2021 Evanston Burglary
10-2-2021 Chicago Motor Vehicle Thefts
9-25-2021 Evanston Aggravated Assault
9-24-2021 Evanston Aggravated Assault
9-22-2021 Chicago Assault with Deadly Weapon

Theft of Bicycles and Scooters

Chicago & Evanston campuses - November 3, 2023

Over the past several weeks, the Northwestern Police Department (NPD) has received numerous reports of stolen bicycles and electric scooters from both the Chicago and Evanston campuses. The thefts have occurred at multiple bicycle racks on both campuses at various times of the day. NPD is increasing security measures.

We want to share some steps you can take to help keep your bicycle or scooter secure. Offenders have removed bicycles and scooters because they were not secured to a bicycle rack or by breaking cable locks. We strongly recommend you use a high-quality rigid lock rather than a cable lock, and be sure to secure the frame, rather than solely the handlebars or wheels, to better deter thefts.

NPD will host bicycle/scooter theft prevention sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Norris Center west doors on the Evanston campus and in the Abbott Hall main lobby on the Chicago campus. At the theft prevention sessions, students, faculty and staff can receive a free rigid lock in exchange for a cable lock and also get a free helmet. Just bring your valid Wildcard and register your bicycle or scooter in advance with 529 Garage, a nationwide bike-registry organization that helps return stolen bicycles and scooters to their owners.

If you or someone you know has had their bicycle or scooter stolen, please visit NPD’s Found Property webpage, where recently recovered yet unclaimed bicycles and scooters are listed.

Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to NPD at 847-491-3456 or 312-503-3456 or dial 911.

Update re: Shooting

Chicago Campus - June 4, 2023

Update: At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 4, the Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded to a shooting in the 300 block of East Huron Street, adjacent to the Chicago campus.

One person has died. The victim is not affiliated with Northwestern University.

A second person, also not affiliated with Northwestern but who could be another victim of this shooting, is being treated for a leg wound at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).

There are no ongoing safety concerns related to the incident for members of the Northwestern community.

The Northwestern University Police Department is reviewing video footage in the vicinity; however, CPD is leading the investigation.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact CPD at 312-746-6000.

Shooting

Chicago Campus - June 4, 2023

On June 4, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded to a shooting in the 300 block of East Huron Street, adjacent to the Chicago campus. One person was wounded. Involved individuals fled the area, away from campus.

One victim was struck with gunfire and transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The severity of the person’s injuries were not immediately known. 

The Northwestern University Police Department is reviewing video footage in the vicinity. 

The Chicago Police Department is the lead investigating agency.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456.

Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, may be the strongest defenses against becoming a victim.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard members of our community:

  • Travel well-lighted, busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door and remember to be alert to what and who is around you.
  • Avoid text messaging or talking on the phone if you do not absolutely need to.
  • Only carry the credit cards that you need.  Avoid displaying and carrying large sums of money in public.
  • Be careful with cell phones, purses and wallets. If you do not need to use your phone, keep it secured and out of sight. Carry a purse close to your body, but do not loop or wrap straps around you. A purse snatcher could injure you. Keep wallets in an inside pocket.
  • Know the locations of the blue light emergency callboxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
  • If you are confronted in a robbery, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what he/she asks for: wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Do not make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call police immediately.
  • Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.

Carjacking

Chicago Campus - December 29, 2021

A carjacking was reported at around 6 p.m. today on the Chicago Campus.

The victim reported to the Northwestern University Police Department that as they were parked along the curb on the 700 block of North St. Clair Street, outside of their vehicle while they were dropping off family members, they were approached by three offenders, one armed with a handgun. The armed offender confronted the victim and ordered them away from the unoccupied vehicle. Two offenders got into the victim’s vehicle and drove eastbound on East Superior Street. The third offender fled on foot, south on North St. Clair Street and then westbound on East Huron Street, in the direction of Michigan Avenue. 

There are no usable descriptions of the suspects at this time.

The victim was not physically injured and declined medical treatment.

The Chicago Police Department is investigating this incident and reviewing camera footage from the area.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-746-6000.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of robbery:

  • Travel well-lighted, busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door and remember to be alert to what and who is around you.
  • Be careful with cell phones, laptops, purses and wallets on and off campus. Avoid text messaging or talking on the phone if you do not absolutely need to. Keep bags secure and wallets in an inside pocket.
  • If you are confronted, COOPERATE! Give the offender what they ask for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the offender yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.
  • Remove valuables from your car or hide them out of view.
  • Know the locations of the blue light emergency call boxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
  • Report any threats to public safety immediately to the Northwestern Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.

Robbery

Chicago Campus - December 11, 2021

An armed robbery was reported to have occurred around 6 a.m. today on the Chicago Campus.

The victim reported to the Northwestern University Police Department that as they were walking in the 200 block of East Superior Street near Fairbanks Street, they were approached from behind by an individual who confronted them with a handgun. The victim was robbed of their belongings and the suspect fled in an awaiting silver vehicle, departing east on Superior Street.

There are no usable descriptions of the suspects at this time.

The victim was not physically injured and declined medical treatment.

The Chicago Police Department is investigating this incident and camera footage from the area is being reviewed.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-746-6000.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of robbery:

  • Travel well-lighted, busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door and remember to be alert to what and who is around you.
  • Be careful with cell phones, laptops, purses and wallets on and off campus. Avoid text messaging or talking on the phone if you do not absolutely need to. Keep bags secure and wallets in an inside pocket.
  • If you are confronted, COOPERATE! Give the offender what they ask for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the offender yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.
  • Remove valuables from your car or hide them out of view.
  • Know the locations of the blue light emergency call boxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
  • Report any threats to public safety immediately to the Northwestern Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.

Off-Campus Shooting

Evanston - November 28, 2021

The Northwestern University Police Department was notified this evening at 7:17 p.m. of a shooting in the City of Evanston at 1950 Green Bay Road, a gas station and convenience store near the Evanston Campus.

The Evanston Police Department (EPD) reported that it received multiple calls of shots being fired in the area and located five gunshot victims. One victim has died. According to EPD, the other four victims were two males and two females, ranging in age from 14 to 18 years old.

Currently there are no suspects in custody.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000.

For further information, consider reviewing the public information the Evanston Police Department is sharing on its Twitter page.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims:

  • Know the locations of the blue light emergency call boxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
  • Report any threats to public safety immediately to the Northwestern Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911.

For the most up-to-date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report

Aggravated Assault

Evanston - October 29, 2021

The University has received multiple reports in which individuals allege they were drugged without consent while attending recent gatherings at off-campus locations in Evanston. At least one of the reports was associated with a gathering believed to be organized by Northwestern students.

If you have any information regarding these reports or other incidents, please promptly contact the Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456. In an emergency, please dial 911.

Northwestern cares about the safety and well-being of our students. If you suspect that you or a friend has symptoms that may indicate nonconsensual drugging, call 911 or go to the emergency room, where you can get medical attention and/or request a screening for nonconsensual drugging. Signs of drugging can be similar to overconsumption. Signs or symptoms usually begin within 15 to 30 minutes of ingesting the substance. 

For those who may need help processing the news of these reports, know that there are resources Northwestern has to help you. Assistance is available at Counseling and Psychological ServicesStudent Assistance and Support Services, Religious and Spiritual LifeEmployee Assistance ProgramUniversity Health ServiceEvanston Hospital or any medical provider of your preference. Please reach out to get the help that you need.

For the most up-to-date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report .

Burglary Update

Evanston Campus - October 26, 2021

Northwestern University Police have identified suspects in the theft of more than 4,500 Northwestern-owned COVID-19 test kits that were reported stolen Monday, Oct. 25, from a secure location in the Foster-Walker Complex, 1927 Orrington Ave., on the Evanston campus.

Most of the stolen property was recovered from the suspects, who are Northwestern students. NUPD continues to investigate the incident.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456. 

Burglary

Evanston Campus - October 25, 2021

 

On Monday, Oct. 25, at approximately 5 p.m., Northwestern University Police responded to a report of a burglary at the Foster-Walker Complex, 1927 Orrington Ave., a residence hall on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.

It was reported that about 4,500 Northwestern-owned COVID-19 test kits were stolen from a storage room in a common area within the facility. The Northwestern University Police Department is reviewing security cameras in the area and attempting to identify those involved.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456. 

Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, may be the strongest defenses against becoming the victim of a crime.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of a burglary:

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Extra sets of eyes keeping a watch on your property and reporting suspicious activity can help deter crimes.
  • Remember, your room door is actually your front door. Keep it locked even when leaving only for a few minutes.
  • Leave interior lights on. Burglars are more likely to break in if they think you are away from home.
  • If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
                    Do not enter -- the perpetrator may still be inside.
                    Use a cell phone or neighbor's phone to call police.
                    Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
  • Ensure valuables are not visible from the street, especially high-end electronics.
  • Report any suspicious activity immediately to the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911.
  • Know the locations of the blue light emergency call boxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.

Motor Vehicle Thefts

Chicago Campus - October 2, 2021

 

Over the past several weeks, the Northwestern University Police Department has received several reports of motor vehicle thefts and an attempted motor vehicle theft on the Chicago Campus. The incidents occurred at the Superior Garage, in the 200 block of East Superior Street, and the Erie Garage, in 300 block of East Erie Street.

All four incidents, which occurred between Sept. 15 and today, have involved parked, secured and unoccupied vehicles.  

Video footage in the area is being collected and reviewed.

If you have information regarding any of these incidents, please contact the Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming a victim of motor vehicle theft:
  • Always lock your vehicle, close all windows and sunroofs, and take your keys or key fob
  • Never hide your key in the vehicle
  • Never leave your vehicle running when unattended
  • When parking on the street, always set your emergency brake and turn wheel into the curb to deter theft by tow truck
  • Use a car alarm or other anti-theft devices
  • Know the locations of the blue light emergency callboxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
  • Report any threats to public safety immediately to the Northwestern Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911
Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, can be the strongest defenses against becoming the victim of a crime.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.

Aggravated Assault

Evanston Campus - September 25, 2021

The University received a report today, Sept. 25, from an individual alleging they were drugged without consent at a gathering last night at 2325 Sheridan Rd. in Evanston. The University is investigating this report and continues to investigate separate, similar reports it received on Sept. 24. Both reported locations are on-campus fraternity houses. If you have information regarding any of these reports, please promptly contact Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456. 

The University’s policy is that on-campus fraternity and sorority houses are alcohol-free spaces. Given the recent allegations, the locations of these reported behaviors and Northwestern’s commitment to the health and safety of our community, the University has decided that effective immediately, there will be no social events or chapter-sponsored recruitment activities at Northwestern fraternities in the Interfraternity Council (IFC) until at least Oct. 17. That includes events with non-members, such as alumni. Individuals or groups who violate this restriction, or any other University policy, will be referred to the Office of Community Standards. 

The University has been in communication with IFC leadership, who understand the seriousness of these reports and the importance of the investigations. Earlier today, the IFC unanimously passed a resolution outlining restrictive measures in partnership with the University’s decision, and communicated to the University that they are instituting a ban on all social activities inclusive of recruitment events during this time frame.

Let us be clear: The health, safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority and we are taking these allegations very seriously. We encourage you to seek support from campus resources if you need help processing this news. Assistance outside of law enforcement is available at Counseling and Psychological ServicesStudent Assistance and Support Services,  Religious and Spiritual LifeEmployee Assistance ProgramUniversity Health ServiceEvanston Hospital or any medical provider of your preference.  In an emergency, please dial 911. 

Bruce A. Lewis
Chief of Police, Senior Associate Vice President
Department of Safety and Security

Mona E. Dugo
Assistant Vice President of Wellness
Dean of Students

Aggravated Assault

Evanston Campus - September 24, 2021

Today (Sept. 24) the University received separate reports in which individuals alleged they were drugged without consent while attending a gathering at 584 Lincoln St. in Evanston. 

The University is investigating the reports. If you any have information regarding these reports, please promptly contact the Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456. In an emergency, please dial 911.

We encourage you to seek support from campus resources if you need help processing news of these reports. Assistance outside of law enforcement is available at Counseling and Psychological ServicesStudent Assistance and Support Services, Religious and Spiritual LifeEmployee Assistance ProgramUniversity Health Service, Evanston Hospital or any medical provider of your preference.

For the most up-to-date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report .

Assault with Deadly Weapon

Chicago Campus - September 22, 2021


The Northwestern University Police Department was notified this morning around 8:30 a.m. about an assault with a deadly weapon in the Erie Garage, 300 block of East Erie Street, that occurred around 4 a.m. today on the Chicago Campus.

The victim reported to the Northwestern Police that as they were walking to their parked vehicle in the garage they noticed a masked person seated in the passenger side of their vehicle. They also noticed a black four-door sedan parked alongside their vehicle with two masked persons inside. The masked person in the passenger seat of the victim’s vehicle stepped out and pointed a handgun at them. Upon having a handgun pointed at them, the victim ran from the area.

Currently there are no useable descriptions of the suspects.

The victim was not physically injured.

The Chicago Police Department has been notified and camera footage in the area is being reviewed.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of robbery:

  • Travel well-lighted, busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door and remember to be alert to what and who is around you.
  • Be careful with cell phones, laptops, purses and wallets on and off campus. Avoid text messaging or talking on the phone if you do not absolutely need to. Keep bags secure and wallets in an inside pocket.
  • If you are confronted, COOPERATE! Give the offender what they ask for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the offender yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.
  • Remove valuables from your car or hide them out of view.
  •  Know the locations of the blue light emergency callboxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
  •  Report any threats to public safety immediately to the Northwestern Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911.
For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report.