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Crime Notices

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 Services, Student Assistance and Support Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, Employee Assistance Program, University Health Service, Evanston 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

• 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:

• 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

• 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

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 Services, Student Assistance and Support Services,  Religious and Spiritual Life, Employee Assistance Program, University Health Service, Evanston 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 Services, Student Assistance and Support Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, Employee Assistance Program, University 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

• 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.