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Crime Alerts

The Northwestern University Police Department was informed today by the Evanston Police Department (EPD) of a suspect attempting to coerce, on separate occasions, two Northwestern students via a dating app.

Investigators from EPD advise that the suspect attempted to use Tinder to establish a false identity to meet the students and possibly commit sexual assault. The two students declined his attempts to meet. Investigators say the suspect then contacted and harassed the students through electronic communications.

The individual is suspected in other recent acts of sexual violence in the area, unrelated to Northwestern students, as well as in college communities in neighboring states. 

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Evanston Police Department, at 847-866-5000, Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456, or to report anonymously, call-866-294-3545.

Perpetrators are solely responsible for sexual assaults and may take advantage of vulnerability in seeking opportunities to commit sexual assaults. We encourage members of the Northwestern community to exercise caution if using Tinder or similar applications to meet other individuals.

If you are the survivor of a sexual assault, we encourage you to seek help. Assistance outside of law enforcement is available at the Office of Equity, the Center for Awareness, Response and Education, Counseling and Psychological Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, Employee Assistance Program, 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 at https://www.northwestern.edu/ethics/campus-security/annual-security-report-evanston-chicago.pdf

Sexual Assault on the Evanston Campus

Evanston, 6-29-2019

On June 29 at approximately 10:37 p.m., the Northwestern University and Evanston Police Departments responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred in the 800 block of Simpson Street.

The survivor reported that, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a male subject knocked on their door and requested their signature for a charity petition. The survivor opened the door and stepped outside of their residence, where the suspect then asked a series of personal questions and proceeded to touch the survivor. As the suspect was leaving, he hugged and fondled the survivor.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000. To report anonymously, call-866-294-3545.

Perpetrators are solely responsible for sexual assaults. Perpetrators take advantage of vulnerability and seek opportunities to commit sexual assaults. 

If you are the survivor of a sexual assault, we encourage you to seek help.  Assistance outside of law enforcement is available at the Office of Equity, the Center for Awareness, Response and Education, Counseling and Psychological Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, Employee Assistance Program, 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.

Shooting on the Chicago campus

Chicago, 6-01-2019

On June 1st, 2019, at approximately 2:05 a.m., the Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded to a shooting in the 300 block of Chicago Avenue, adjacent to Levy Mayer Hall on the Chicago campus. One person was wounded.

Upon their arrival, police from both departments learned that a group of individuals, none affiliated with Northwestern, were gathered on the sidewalk by a parked vehicle, when a silver vehicle pulled alongside the group on Chicago Avenue. Witnesses said a suspect inside the silver vehicle displayed a firearm and shot into the crowd. The silver vehicle fled the scene driving eastbound towards Lake Shore Drive and away from campus.

One victim was struck with gunfire and has been transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The severity of the person’s injuries was 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 the 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, or wallets. If you do not need to use the 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. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.
• If You See Something, Say Something.  If you are aware of someone displaying concerning behavior, you may report via Wildcats Aware, https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthwesternUniv&layout_id=124, as the Behavioral Consultation Team are trained to evaluate potential threats.
• 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 athttps://www.northwestern.edu/ethics/campus-security/annual-security-report-evanston-chicago.pdf

Strong-Arm Robbery

Chicago, 4-21-2019

On April 21, 2019, at approximately 9:02 a.m., the Chicago and Northwestern University Police Departments responded to a report of a robbery in the 300 Block of East Erie Street on Northwestern University’s Chicago Campus.  

The victim was walking along the south sidewalk when a passenger in a car waiting nearby—described as a silver, four-door Chevrolet, possibly an Impala--exited and approached the victim. 

The suspect grabbed the victim by the arm and removed the cellphone from their grasp. The suspect returned to the silver Chevrolet, waiting nearby, and the vehicle fled the area eastbound on Erie Street.  No weapon was displayed.  Witnesses described the suspect is an African American male, approximately 20 years old, 5 feet 8 inches in height, 115 pounds and wearing a black hooded jacket, dark jeans and Nike shoes with red soles.

The victim was not injured and denied medical attention.  Responding officers have checked the area, and neither the suspect nor the vehicle has been located.  The Chicago Police Department is leading the investigation and reviewing area cameras.

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 robbery.

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.
• 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 or wallets. If you do not need to use the 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.
• Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911
• Know the locations of the blue light emergency callboxeslocated 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, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what he/she asks for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report athttps://www.northwestern.edu/ethics/campus-security/annual-security-report-evanston-chicago.pdf

Strong-Arm Robbery

Chicago, 3-12-2019

A Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law student was the victim of a strong-arm robbery early Tuesday, March 12, near East Chicago Avenue and North Fairbanks Court. The Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded at 4:04 a.m. to a report of the incident that occurred on the pathway in Lake Shore Park, adjacent to the Law School, on Northwestern’s Chicago campus.

The Law School student was walking southbound on the pathway towards campus, wearing headphones and watching a movie on his iPad, when a silver sedan pulled up along East Chicago Avenue nearby. The student said that two African American males exited the car, struck him in the face and took his iPad. The suspects then continued to check the victim for more possessions. The student resisted his attackers and yelled for help. 

The suspects fled to the awaiting vehicle, which left heading westbound on East Chicago Avenue.  The victim activated a blue light phone to summon the Northwestern University Police Department. He described one of the suspects as being 5 feet, 10 inches tall and wearing a gray sweatshirt. There was no description given for the second suspect. The victim declined medical attention.

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 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 robbery.

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.
• 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 or wallets. If you do not need to use the 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.
• Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911
• 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, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what he/she asks for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please review the Northwestern University Annual Security Report athttps://www.northwestern.edu/ethics/campus-security/annual-security-report-evanston-chicago.pdf

Strong-Arm Robbery

Chicago, 3-12-2019

The Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded Tuesday morning, March 12, at 12:11 a.m., to a report of a strong-arm robbery at the intersection of North St. Clair street and East Superior street on Northwestern’s Chicago campus.

The victim, who is not affiliated with Northwestern, was at the intersection when she was pushed from behind and knocked to the ground by a man she described later as a black male. When she fell to the ground, she said a second man grabbed her purse, containing a wallet and cellphone. The victim attempted to hold on to her purse, and a struggle ensued.  

The suspect was able to gain control of the purse, and both suspects fled into an awaiting small black sports utility vehicle. The Northwestern University Police Department is reviewing footage of cameras in the area. The suspects are described as African-American men, both about 5-feet, 6 inches to 5-feet, 8 inches in height, and about 18-22 years of age.  The victim described the suspect who grabbed her purse as wearing a black jacket and a knit hat. No weapon was displayed by either suspect. The victim is stunned, but otherwise is uninjured. 

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 robbery.

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.
• 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, or wallets. If you do not need to use the 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.
• Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 911
• Know the locations of the blue light emergency callboxesthroughout 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, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what he/she asks for — wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Don’t make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call the police immediately.

For your most up to date security policies, crime prevention programs and crime statistics, please visit the Northwestern University Annual Security Report at https://www.northwestern.edu/ethics/campus-security/annual-security-report-evanston-chicago.pdf

Attempted Carjacking

Chicago, 12-14-2018

At approximately 7:05 p.m., the Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded to a report of an attempted carjacking in the 300 Block of East Erie Street in downtown Chicago, on Northwestern’s Chicago campus. Officers on scene spoke with the victim, a Northwestern employee, who advised that she was driving and parked alongside of the road to attend to her child in the backseat.  

She removed her keys from the ignition, exited the vehicle and attended to her child, who was seated in the back-passenger side seat. She then noticed a heavy-set black male, wearing dark clothing, get into the front driver’s seat, attempting to drive off in her vehicle. 

The victim, who has a valid concealed carry permit, approached the driver’s side door, drew her firearm and attempted to hold the suspect at the scene. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled east on Erie Street. There were no reported injuries, and the child was unharmed.

This incident is being investigated by the Chicago Police Department.

Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, can be the strongest defenses against becoming the victim of a carjacking robbery.

While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices can help safeguard you from becoming the victim of a crime:

• 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 use the phone.
• Avoid displaying and carrying large sums of money in public. Only carry the credit cards you need.
• Be careful with cell phones, purses, or wallets. If you do not need to use the 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.
• Concentrate on remembering the description of the suspect and call police immediately.
• Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Northwestern Police Department at 847-491-3456 or dial 9-1-1
• Know the locations of blue light emergency telephones throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.

Strong-Arm Robbery

Evanston, 12-13-2018

At approximately 4:25 p.m. today, the Northwestern and Evanston Police Departments responded to an incident in the 1000 block of Garnett Place regarding a strong-arm robbery. The victim, a female student, was walking on Garnett Place when a dark colored Hyundai pulled up to the victim, and a black male -- described as being 6 feet tall and in his mid-20s and wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt and ripped jeans -- exited the passenger side of the vehicle and took the victim’s cell phone out of her hand. The suspect re-entered the vehicle, and the vehicle left in an unknown direction. No weapon was displayed in the incident.

This incident is being investigated by both the Northwestern and Evanston Police Departments. The police and security presence on campus continues to be heightened following the previously reported incidents this fall. 

Please report all crime and suspicious activity promptly by calling 911 or using one of the over 100 blue light phones on campus. Download the NUHelp app for resources and to access Safe Ride Services.

Being a victim of a crime is not the fault of the victim. Below are tips to enhance the safety of our community.

Travel in groups when possible and always take the safest route, even if it is a little longer. 

Use well-lit and busy sidewalks and avoid deserted sidewalks, vacant lots, and alleys.

Remain alert and be aware of your surroundings while crossing streets and taking public transportation, and keep electronics stored out of sight. 

Avoid wearing stereo 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.

Battery

Evanston, 11-13-2018

Today the Northwestern University Police Department received reports of two incidents on or near the Evanston campus.

In the first incident, at 4:54 p.m. in the 1900 block of Sheridan Road, two females reported they were approached by two white males who made a rude comment to them. The females described one of the males as wearing a gray jacket, the other as wearing a red jacket. The women said both suspects spoke with distinctive European accents. When the two females did not respond to the rude comment, the two males made a disparaging comment and walked away, heading northbound. The suspects did not make physical contact with the women. This incident was reported to the Northwestern University Police Department at 6:50 p.m., and Is currently being investigated by NUPD.

The second incident occurred at 5:10 p.m. near 1700 Chicago Avenue, where a female was walking southbound, when two males made a comment to her and then grabbed her arm. The woman ran south on Chicago Avenue and the two males proceeded north. The men were both described as white and in their mid-20s to early 30s. This off-campus incident was reported to the Evanston Police Department at 9:08 p.m., and is being investigated by EPD.

Area video camera footage is being reviewed to gather pertinent information for both investigations.

NUPD urges the community to report all suspicious activity in a timely manner. Proactive, visible patrols have been increased on and around campus recently, in addition to assistance from EPD. While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help you stay safe:

• Be aware of the location of blue light emergency telephones. They are a direct line to assistance.
• Use Safe Ride and Safe Walk.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
• Download the NUHelp App for available resources

Battery

Evanston, 11-08-2018

NUPD received multiple calls at 7:52 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 from third parties regarding a possible battery on campus.  Callers provided the identity of a victim, but did not have a specific information, including the location of the incident or description of suspects.   

With the information provided, NUPD was able to locate the victim at 8:30 p.m. 

The victim advised that today at approximately 5:30 p.m., she was walking north in the 1800 block of Hinman Avenue, on the west side sidewalk, when two males, each approximately 6 feet tall, unknown race or ethnicity, one wearing a hoodie sweatshirt, walked up behind her.  She felt that one of the individuals grabbed the top carrying handle of her backpack, and she ran north.  The suspects fled in a direction away from campus

NUPD and Evanston Police Department have patrolled the area and are unable to locate any individuals fitting this description. Patrols of both departments will continue indefinitely.  

Please report all suspicious activity to NUPD by calling 847-491-3456.  Download the NUHelp app for resources, including the availability of Safe Ride services. You can contact the Dean on Call or report all suspicious activity by dialing 911 or using one of the Blue Light emergency telephones throughout campus.  

The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night.

Burglaries

Evanston, 10-13-2018

Over the past week, there has been a series of burglaries on the Evanston campus. Please be aware and use extra caution. The reported burglaries include:

• A burglary at Willard Hall on Oct. 6 between midnight and 2:30 a.m., in which a wallet, an iPhone and a laptop was stolen from two victims.
• A burglary at Willard Hall on Oct. 7 between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., in which a laptop, a wallet and headphones were stolen from one victim.
• A burglary at Alpha Epsilon Phi, 584 Lincoln St., sometime between 11 p.m. on Oct. 12 and 12:30 a.m. Oct. 13, in which multiple laptops, wallets and backpacks were stolen from six victims.

Northwestern Police has increased patrols and staffing in response to these incidents.

All residence halls are staffed with community service officers, who are there to help residents and enhance security, and additional staff are on call.

NUPD is investigating the burglaries, and does not believe the suspect or suspects are associated with Northwestern.

Many crimes are crimes of opportunity. To help prevent burglaries:

• Report all suspicious activity by dialing 911 or using a Blue Light emergency telephone
• Contact the Northwestern University Police Department by calling 847-491-3456 if you have any information that may assist in this investigation
• Ensure rooms are locked
• Do not leave personal belongings and valuables unattended

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, cell phone 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.

Attempted Armed Robbery

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.