Crime Alerts
Crime alerts are issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). An alert 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.
Below is an archive of crime alerts from the past year.
| Date | Campus | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| 2-28-2018 | Evanston | Fraud/Theft |
| 1-29-2018 | Chicago | Robbery |
| 01-22-2018 | Evanston | Security Alert |
| 10-10-2017 | Chicago | Robbery |
| 10-08-2017 | Chicago | Robbery |
| 09-27-2017 | Chicago | Robbery |
| 08-11-2017 | Chicago | Robbery |
| 06-11-2017 | Chicago | Robbery |
| 05-16-2017 | Evanston | Robbery and Attempted Sexual Assault |
| 01-21-2017 | Evanston | Sexual Assault |
Fraud/Theft
Evanston, 2-28-2018
Northwestern Police are investigating a phone scam operation that is impacting our campus community. The fictitious callers represent themselves as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents or police officers attempting to collect an outstanding debt. The scammers ask for payment with gift cards or iTunes cards valued in the thousands of dollars.
The scammers also ask for personal identifying information, including passport numbers and Social Security or tax identification numbers. The fictitious calls appear in the caller identification (Caller ID) display as belonging to Northwestern or a police department. This academic year, we are aware of three Northwestern community members who have been victimized by this scam and have lost thousands of dollars.
Northwestern Police are encouraging the campus community to take into consideration the following safety information and steps to minimize or eliminate the opportunity for them to fall prey to this crime:
- The IRS will NOT call you without sending correspondence first.
- The IRS will NOT demand payment via iTunes cards, any pre-paid debit cards or gift cards, Western Union, MoneyGram or bank deposits
- The IRS will NOT share tax information with local law enforcement agencies, including Northwestern Police
- The IRS will NOT threaten to arrest you over the phone for unpaid taxes.
- If you receive a call with any of the information above, hang up and contact the Northwestern Police by calling 847-491-3456 or call a local law enforcement agency.
- You can contact your local IRS office for assistance in determining if you owe money to the IRS. To locate your local office use this link: https://apps.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/index.jsp.
- Use the following link to make a report of an IRS impersonation scam: https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml
Robbery
Chicago, 1-29-2018
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2018, a woman not affiliated with Northwestern University was the victim of a robbery in the area near the Chicago campus.
The woman was walking near the northeast corner of McClurg court and Erie Street when she was approached from behind by two men who grabbed her shoulder bag, causing her to fall to the ground. The bag contained her computer, cellphone and personal identification. The suspects then got into a silver, four-door car with a temporary license plate.
No weapon was displayed in the incident. The victim suffered minor injuries but declined further medical treatment.
The men were described as wearing dark clothing, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and possibly in their 20s. A more complete description could not be obtained.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night.
Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police or Chicago Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the University Police Department at 847-491-3456 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
Security Alert
Evanston, 1-22-2018
A business in downtown Evanston was the site of an attempted armed robbery on the afternoon of Monday, January 22, 2018.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. a man entered a store at 1630 Orrington Ave., Evanston, and showed a gun in his waistband and demanded money, but did not get any, according to Evanston Police.
The offender, who fled on foot, was described as a very thin male in his 50s wearing a dark jacket, blue shirt and dark baggy jeans.
Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police or Evanston Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night. In Evanston, the Northwestern shuttle bus service provides transportation to areas both on and off campus every night until 3 a.m. In addition, SafeRide provides free rides at night.
Robbery
Chicago, 10-10-2017
A person not affiliated with Northwestern University was the victim of robbery at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, in the Northwestern parking garage located at 222 E. Huron Street on the Chicago campus.
The person entered the elevator in the garage. There were two other individuals already inside the elevator. When she exited the elevator on the 8th floor, one of the individuals attempted to take her telephone out of her hand. She tried to hold on to the phone, and the second individual pushed her out of the elevator. The offenders remained in the elevator with her phone, and the elevator then left the 8th floor.
The victim sustained a scraped knee. She refused medical treatment. No weapon was displayed or implied.
The first offender was described by the victim as a black male in his teens with short dreadlock hair, a light complexion and wearing a tan sweater and jeans. The second offender was described as a black male in his teens, tall, thin, with a dark complexion and wearing a blue plaid shirt and jeans.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night. Police also advise members of the community to remain observant while walking, keep electronics stored away and avoid being distracted by a phone or other device.
Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police or Chicago Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the University Police Department at 847-491-3456 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
Robbery
Chicago, 10-08-2017
At approximately 8:01 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017, a Northwestern law school student was approached by five individuals near the intersection of Superior Street and Fairbanks Court on the Chicago campus. The individuals physically assaulted him and took his laptop computer and cellphone.
A witness activated an emergency call box, notified police and then walked the student to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he received medical treatment.
The suspects ran away from the area on foot. Chicago Police and University Police searched the area but did not find the suspects. The suspects are three males and two females.
One male was described as being 5 feet, 4 inches tall, wearing white pants, a white long-sleeved shirt and a dark jacket tied around his neck. The other two males were described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall and wearing dark clothing. A description of the females could not be obtained. A review of video in the area is being conducted to determine whether any further details are available.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night.
Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police or Chicago Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the University Police Department at 847-491-3456 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
Robbery
Chicago, 09-27-2017
A Northwestern faculty member was the victim of a robbery in the Erie Street parking garage on the Chicago campus. At approximately 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, the faculty member was walking on the ninth floor of the garage, 321 E. Erie St., when three individuals pushed the faculty member to the ground and took a cellphone.
The faculty member reported a minor injury to her elbow.
A video camera captured images of the offenders. They are described as: -
- A male teenager with short dreadlocks, wearing a long-sleeved, gray T-shirt and dark-colored gym shoes and carrying a dark-colored backpack.
- A male teenager wearing a white T-shirt, camouflage pants and gray gym shoes.
- A male teenager wearing a long-sleeved black hooded sweatshirt, tan pants and white gym shoes.
Northwestern University Police and Chicago Police are investigating the incident.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus. Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police or Chicago Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone.
Robbery
Chicago, 08-11-2017
At approximately 4:55 p.m. Friday, August 11, 2017 a person believed to be a Northwestern employee was the victim of a robbery while boarding a shuttle bus at 410 E. Huron Street on the Chicago campus.
A Northwestern University video camera captured the incident. The video shows what appears to be a male offender waiting at the bus stop for others to board a shuttle. As passengers began to board, the offender stepped in behind a person with a cellular phone in their hand and grabbed the phone. A short struggle occurred and the offender ran south on McClurg Court and got into a waiting white Cadillac CTS sedan, which drove south on McClurg. The victim has not reported the incident to Northwestern Police.
The offender seen in the video appears to be a black male wearing a dark brown shirt and white pants. No additional identifying information is currently available.
The incident is being investigated by the Chicago Police Department and Northwestern University Police Department. Chicago Police said that similar incidents have occurred in the area within the past few days.
Report suspicious activity, including individuals loitering near shuttle stops, immediately to University Police by calling 312-503-3456 or Chicago Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the University Police Department at 312-503-3456 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
Robbery
Chicago, 06-11-2017
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017, a Northwestern Medicine physician was approached by five individuals on the third floor of the Erie Ontario parking garage, 321 E. Erie Street, Chicago. They demanded property and the victim gave the subjects $120. The suspects ran away from the area on foot. No weapons were displayed and there were no physical injuries reported.
According to the reporting party, the offenders were described as black males. No additional identifying information is currently available.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night.
Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police or Chicago Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the University Police Department at 847-491-3456 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
Robbery and Attempted Sexual Assault
Evanston, 05-16-2017
At approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2017 a Northwestern graduate student was the victim of a robbery and attempted sexual assault at 1930 Ridge Avenue in Evanston. The student reported that when she entered the elevator in the building, a man entered with her and while in transit, he attempted to reach under her clothing. He then pushed her to the floor and took her wallet and cellphone. The student exited the elevator on her floor and the offender did not follow her.
According to the reporting party, the offender was described as a 25-30 year-old male black, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and black backpack. No additional identifying information is currently available.
The incident is being investigated by the Evanston Police Department and Northwestern University Police Department.
The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night. The Northwestern shuttle bus service provides transportation to areas both on and off campus every night until 3 a.m. In addition, SafeRide provides free rides at night.
Report suspicious activity immediately to University Police by calling 847-491-3456 or Evanston Police by dialing 911 or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone. Contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation.
Sexual Assault
Evanston, 01-21-2017
On February 2, 2017, the Sexual Harassment Prevention Office received a report that on January 21, 2017, four female students attending an event at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house in Evanston were possibly given a date-rape drug. The report alleges that two of the students believe they were also sexually assaulted. In addition, on February 3, 2017, the University received an anonymous report alleging that on February 2, 2017, a female student was sexually assaulted, possibly involving use of a date-rape drug, after attending an event at another fraternity house. The report is unclear as to where the assault may have occurred.
The University's Sexual Harassment Prevention Office is conducting an inquiry into these reports, and anyone with knowledge of these alleged incidents is urged to contact the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@northwestern.edu or University Police, see http://www.northwestern.edu/up/about/contact/report-a-crime.html.
Anyone who observes a situation in which a member of the University community may be at risk should interrupt the chain of events or seek help. All Northwestern community members should look out for one another and ensure that everyone is safe. Any member of the Northwestern community who believes they or someone else is at risk should immediately call Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456 or Evanston Police by dialing 9-1-1, or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone.
The Northwestern University Policy on Sexual Misconduct requires all employees, including student employees, as well as non-employees with teaching or supervisory authority, to report sexual misconduct of which they become aware in the scope of their work for the University to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, unless they are a resource listed in Appendix D of the Policy on Sexual Misconduct, found at http://www.northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct/university-policy/sexual-misconduct-policy.html.
The only people responsible for sexual misconduct or any other crime are the perpetrators. It is a violation of University policy and the law to engage in sexual contact without consent, as is the use of illegal drugs. The University Policy on Sexual Misconduct, including the definition of consent, can be found at www.northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct/docs/sexual_misconduct_policy.pdf.
Northwestern University is concerned about the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff and about incidents of sexual misconduct, harassment or violence (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking). Members of the Northwestern community who experience sexual violence have options and support available, including:
CARE: Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (for students) 847-491-2054
care@northwestern.edu
www.northwestern.edu/care
CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services (for students) 847-491-2151 (24-hours)
www.northwestern.edu/counseling/
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (for employees and their household family members)
855-547-1851
www.northwestern.edu/hr/work-life/faculty-staff-assistance-program.html
Northwestern University Police Department 847-491-3456 or 312-503-3456 (24 hours)
www.northwestern.edu/up/crime/awareness/sexual-violence.html
Emergency Hotlines (not staffed by or affiliated with Northwestern)
Chicago Metro Rape Crisis Hotline (YWCA): 888-293-2080 (24 hours)
Chicago Domestic Violence Line: 877-863-6339 (24 hours)
Evanston Domestic Violence Line (YWCA): 877-718-1868 (24 hours)
Medical Care
Northwestern University Health Services (doctor on call 24 hours) 847-491-8100
Evanston Hospital - Emergency Department (24 hours) 847-570-2111
Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Emergency Department (24 hours) 312-926-5188
Presence St. Francis Hospital, Emergency Services (24 hours) 847-316-4000
Northwestern Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Coordinator 847-491-3745; TitleIXCoordinator@northwestern.edu
For more information and resources regarding sexual misconduct response and prevention at Northwestern, go to www.northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct.