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Robbery Incidents and Prevention

October 2, 2023

Dear members of the Northwestern community,

In recent weeks, several incidents of armed robberies have occurred near our Chicago and Evanston campuses. Some have impacted Northwestern community members. We wish to raise awareness as media reports on robberies near campuses in the Chicagoland area continue. The robberies typically target cell phones and wallets and tend to occur at night or early in the morning.

The incidents are part of a larger trend of more frequent and more brazen robberies in the Chicagoland area. Northwestern Police are in constant coordination with Evanston Police and Chicago Police to ensure we are taking appropriate measures to protect our community. 

We are actively working with our campus partners to expand resources to supplement Safe Ride and similar services so that we can react quickly to changes in our external environment. 

The Department of Safety & Security will position stationary Community Service Officers in vehicles in strategic locations near campus for monitoring and to assist with student safety transportation in the evenings and early mornings. 

Please note these important reminders of:

  • Safety resources
  • Preventative safety measures
  • What to do if you are targeted in a robbery

Safety resources

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these resources and to have these ready in your smartphone if you ever need them.

  • Safe Ride: a safe and free alternative to walking alone after dark on or near the Evanston campus. Download the Safe Ride app here.
  • Safety Escorts: a free service to provide a walking escort or to monitor travel on the Evanston or Chicago campuses. Request an escort at (847) 491-3456 in Evanston or (312) 503-3456 in Chicago.
  • Campus Shuttles: free shuttles between the Evanston and Chicago campuses that run late into the night.
  • NUGuardian: a free peer-to-peer mobile app for students to turn their phone into a personal safety device. The app allows students to designate smartphone contacts to act as “guardians” and virtually walk with them on or off campus in Evanston.
  • Consider adding the Northwestern Police telephone number, (847) 491-3456, to your cell phone’s favorite contacts list to reach University Police quickly to report suspicious activity.
  • Get text/phone emergency alerts on Rave: your university email address is automatically enrolled in alerts, but you need to sign up to receive text/phone alerts.

Preventative safety measures

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

  • Travel in groups when possible, and always take the safest route, even if it is longer.
  • Use well-lit and busy sidewalks, and avoid deserted sidewalks, vacant lots and alleys.
  • Remain alert, and be aware of your surroundings at all times, including when crossing streets and taking public transportation.
  • Keep electronics and other valuables stored out of sight; avoid using your phone while walking.
  • Avoid wearing earplugs or headphones that prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.
  • If you have a purse or bag, hold it close to your body and carry only necessary money, credit cards and electronics.
  • Know the location of blue light emergency call boxes: these connect directly to the University Police’s dispatch center and identify the location from which you are calling.

What to do if you are targeted in a robbery

  • Stay calm and do what the robber asks. It is better to lose your phone or wallet than to be physically hurt. 
  • Do not resist or argue. 
  • Do not make any quick or unexpected movements.
  • Take mental notes of the robber’s appearance, clothing and actions, including direction of travel or any vehicle description, for a police report.
  • After the robbery, go to a safe location or a well-populated area.
  • Report the crime immediately to Northwestern Police at (847) 491-3456 or to 911.

Learn more

Thank you for your partnership in keeping Northwestern safe. Please contact us with any feedback at SafetyandSecurity@northwestern.edu.

Bruce A. LewisChief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President

Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs