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.
Most recent crime notices
| 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 |
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.