Safety Notifications

The WPI Police Department is currently seeing an increase in bicycle thefts and attempted bicycle thefts specifically occurring in the areas of Institute Road by the Stoddard Apartments as well as various bike racks campus wide. The thefts reported occurred on November 29th November 30th and December 1st. All of the thefts occurred in the afternoon and evening hours. In each theft, the bicycle lock and chain have been cut while secured on a bike rack. In one of the reported thefts a Moped was stolen. There are no suspects at this time. The WPI Police will continue to remain vigilant and investigate. The Worcester Police Department was notified of the reported incidents.

• Record the serial numbers of your bicycle.
• Always secure bike to a rack or fixed object when permitted.
• Secure in a lighted area during darkness.
• Do not leave bicycles unattended over longer periods of time.  
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Register your bicycle with the National Bike Registry. NBR- registered bikes are nine times more likely to be returned to owners than those bikes that are recovered without NBR registration. 

Secure your bikes with a U-bolt style bike lock. The flexible cable locks are easily defeated with a cheap pair of bolt cutters that can be hidden in a backpack. The U-bolt requires time/energy/tools that most criminals are not willing to expend in a public area. They want quick and easy. If you have the ability to store your bike indoors, that is preferable.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.

On 10/9/18 at 3:54PM, WPI Police responded to 228 Highland Street for a report of a past Breaking and Entering, that had occurred approx. 30 minutes earlier. 

The reporting party (a WPI alumnus), reported that while he was in his bedroom at this address, with the apartment door unlocked; a 6 foot white male,clean cut, wearing a yellow hat (and possibly lime colored hoodie) entered the apartment through the unlocked back door.  The individual then proceeded to open the bedroom door where the reporting party was.  He looked in, and then closed the door without saying anything. When the reporting party came out of his bedroom minutes later, he noticed that the male suspect was gone, and that a laptop and cell phone were missing from a 2nd unoccupied bedroom.

There was no direction of travel given as the suspect had left the area prior to the reporting party coming out of his room.

• Make sure all interior windows and doors are locked and dead bolted when closed.
• If there is an intruder in your home do not confront him, stay in a safe place and call police immediately
• Make sure there are no ladders or other yard tools that could be used to gain access to a window. Exterior lighting is a deterrent. Inventory your property with a video recorder or camera.
• Record the serial numbers of your property.
• Draw your shades.
• Remove expensive articles from the residence when away for extended periods of time.
• Establish relationships with neighbors and check on each other's property when away.
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.

• Do not pursue after any suspects
• Always be aware of your surroundings. That way, you will be able to react to any suspicious activity going on around you which might put your stuff (and you) in danger.
• Record the serial numbers of your property.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

 On October 1, 2018 at 4:18PM a WPI Student reports that a male party came to her off campus apartment on Berkshire Street, knocked on the door and asked if he could view her “National Grid" bill, she refused to let him see the bill, he then left the area. No description of the male was given. Worcester Police were notified of the incident and are investigating.

Prevention Advice: 

• Be alert, report any suspicious persons or activity to WPI Police
• Do not let anyone you don't know into your home. 
• Don't show any paperwork containing personal information (utility bills, etc.) to anyone.

On October 1, 2018 at approx. 1057AM, a WPI employee reported that while she was walking outside 60 Prescott Street, she was approached by a white male in his 50’s with grey hair and driving a grey sedan. The male engaged in unwanted conversation and offered the employee  a ride home.  The employee ended the conversation and walked away, the male then drove away from the area. WPI Police and Worcester Police are investigating.

• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.
• BE ALERT when you're alone, beware of who is around you and your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts.
• Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid walking or running alone - instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
• Try to walk or jog in daylight hours.
• Always walk in well-lighted areas.
• Avoid the use of short cuts. Keep to well-travelled roads and populated areas.
• Choose a route where you can keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking. Also vary your route from time to time - don't be predictable.
• If someone in a vehicle stops and asks you questions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle or get close enough to be pulled in.
• If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.
• Never get into a vehicle with someone you don't know.
• Keep your cell phone handy at all times. It's your best source of immediate assistance.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

The WPI Police Department is currently seeing an increase in bicycle thefts specifically occurring in the areas of Hackfeld Rd, Prescott St, and Faraday Hall, These thefts occurred on September 10^th, September 19^th September 21 and September 27^th. All of these thefts had occurred between the hours of 3:00pm-7:00am. For each theft, the bicycle lock and chain have been cut while secured on a bike rack. In one reported theft which occurred outside of Faraday Hall, a witness provided a description of a white male, in his thirties, 6'0 tall, wearing a gray sweatshirt, dark colored sweatpants, and a black 'do rag". In the three other cases, their are no suspects at this time. The WPI Police will continue to investigate. The Worcester Police Department was notified of the reported incidents. 

• Record the serial numbers of your bicycle.
• Always secure bike to a rack or fixed object when permitted.
• Secure in a lighted area during darkness.
• Do not leave bicycles unattended over longer periods of time.  
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Register your bicycle with the National Bike Registry. NBR- registered bikes are nine times more likely to be returned to owners than those bikes that are recovered without NBR registration. 

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.

On 09/15/18 at approximately 1200 hours, WPI Police were notified of a suspicious person that was involved in a string of incidents of up skirting and indecent exposure at other colleges within the city of Worcester. Though nothing has been reported at WPI, the WPI Police Department along with other University Police Departments and the Worcester Police are taking proactive steps to gather more information regarding the incidents and a suspect. The WPI Police Department asks the community to remain vigilant and report any all suspicious activity to the WPI Police or the Worcester Police Department immediately. 

• Be alert, report any suspicious persons or activity to WPI Police
• Do not hold doors open, and make sure doors closed behind you. 
• Keep all "Card Access" doors secure.
• Report to Campus Police any unknown parties who "piggyback" to gain access into "Card Access secured areas".
• Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.   

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

The WPI Police Department was informed on Wednesday August 29, 2018 of a past Assault and Battery which occurred in the area of 188 Highland Street on Friday August 24, 2018 at approximately 9:00pm. A pedestrian was approached by a motor vehicle, unknown make, model or color, and was shot with what appears to be a BB gun.  No description of an assailant was given.  The vehicle left the area on Highland Street heading towards Park Avenue. The WPI Police Department and Worcester Police are actively investigating this incident.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.
• Don't use headphones while walking.
• Use well-traveled routes.
• Be aware of what is going on around you.
• Be alert. Think, don't panic. Contact WPI Policer Emergency line 508.831.5555.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

It came to the attention of the WPI Police Department on July 12, 2018 @ 8:50pm that Worcester Police took the report of Breaking and Entering at 47 Wachusett Street which occurred  on July 11, 2018@ 4:31pm. Two persons were home at the time of the incident. Limited information is available at this time but preliminary reporting describes the suspect as a male, dark brown skin, well dressed wearing blue jeans, dark colored hair with a goatee style beard.  The suspect was reported to be carrying a black back pack and a guitar in a soft black case. The suspect was last seen heading down Wachusett Street towards Highland Avenue.  WPI Police and Worcester Police are actively investigating this incident.

• Make sure all interior windows and doors are locked and dead bolted when closed.
• If there is an intruder in your home do not confront, stay in a safe place and call police immediately
• Make sure there are no ladders or other yard tools that could be used to gain access to a window. Exterior lighting is a deterrent. Inventory your property with a video recorder or camera.
• Record the serial numbers of your property.
• Draw your shades.
• Remove expensive articles from the residence when away for extended periods of time.
• Establish relationships with neighbors and check on each other's property when away.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

   At approximately 7:30 pm this evening, Worcester Police responded to 9 Dover Street for the report of an Armed Robbery. The victim was approached by an unknown Hispanic male age 25-30 yrs old, clean shaven, wearing a black zip up hoodie and blue jeans. The suspect brandished a black firearm and took from the victim approximately $180 in cash. The suspect fled on foot east towards Highland St towards Hatfield St. The victim and the residence are both unaffiliated with WPI.

• Do not resist the robber.
• The money is not worth risking your life.
• Do not encourage the use of weapons against the robber.
• Follow the robber's commands, but do not volunteer help.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.
• Report incident immediately to WPI Police 508.831.5433 or emergency line 508.831.5555.
• Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

At approximately 4:45 AM (6/11/18) two WPI students were awoken when an unknown subject opened one of the bedroom doors and shined a flashlight into the bedroom.  This student yelled out to the other student at which point the two suspects fled.  Both suspects last seen heading towards Highland Street on bicycles.  Neither students were physically harmed.  Limited descriptions obtained by the students. WPI Police and WPD are actively investigating this incident. 

• Make sure all interior windows and doors are locked and dead bolted when closed.
• If there is an intruder in your home do not confront, stay in a safe place and call police immediately
• Make sure there are no ladders or other yard tools that could be used to gain access to a window. Exterior lighting is a deterrent. Inventory your property with a video recorder or camera.
• Record the serial numbers of your property.
• Draw your shades.
• Remove expensive articles from the residence when away for extended periods of time.
• Establish relationships with neighbors and check on each other's property when away.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

 Worcester Police responded to Bancroft Tower for reported gunshots. A suspect vehicle is described as a  blue sedan with no license plate, no make or model. At this time the witnesses involved have been interviewed  This incident is an active and ongoing investigation. No person affiliated with WPI are involved in this incident. 

• Be alert. Think, don't panic. Contact WPI Police or Worcester Police immediately.
• Stay in a safe location.
• BE ALERT when you're alone, beware of who is around you and your surroundings.
• Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas.
• Don't use headphones while walking.
• Use well-traveled routes.
• Be aware of what is going on around you.
• Do not pursue after any suspects.

• Do not pursue after any suspects
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• That way, you will be able to react to any suspicious activity going on around you which might put your stuff (and you) in danger.
• Use a hands-free unit Don't leave your phone unattended
• Do not text and walk at the same time.
• Hide your phone away when you are not using it
• Do not keep your personal information in your phone Password protect your device
• Use an anti-theft software
• BE ALERT when you're alone,
• Beware of who is around you and your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts. Know when to back down, sometime it is best to do what the criminal is telling you.
• They could have a weapon, so it is better to give your possessions up than to risk harm to yourself.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.

        Two WPI Students reported to WPI Police Department at approximately 11:56 pm, that they observed a large group causing a disturbance disperse from the intersection of Berkshire St @ Highland St. Upon further investigation by WPI Police and the Worcester Police Department it was determined there was a physical altercation between several individuals. One of these individuals was stabbed with a knife.  Immediately following the incident it was determined the suspect has left the scene and no description was given or direction of travel. It  was determined that none of these individuals were affiliated with WPI.  

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.
• Don't use headphones while walking.
• Use well-traveled routes.
• Be aware of what is going on around you.
• Be alert. Think, don't panic. Contact WPI Policer Emergency line 508.831.5555.

• Do not pursue after any suspects
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• That way, you will be able to react to any suspicious activity going on around you which might put your stuff (and you) in danger.
• Use a hands-free unit Don't leave your phone unattended
• Do not text and walk at the same time.
• Hide your phone away when you are not using it
• Do not keep your personal information in your phone Password protect your device
• Use an anti-theft software
• BE ALERT when you're alone,
• Beware of who is around you and your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts. Know when to back down, sometime it is best to do what the criminal is telling you.
• They could have a weapon, so it is better to give your possessions up than to risk harm to yourself.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Police for safety escorts during the summer months.  Please contact Police Dispatch at  508-831-5433.

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.

 At approx. 9PM this evening( April 30) a WPI student was walking on West Street between Highland and Dayton Streets when he was approached by a white male in his 30's, wearing a light flannel shirt, light blue jeans with short blonde hair and wearing glasses.  The male asked the student for money, when the student told him he didn't have any money, the subject then pushed the student to the ground and took his wallet.  The subject left the area on foot heading west on Highland Street heading towards Price Chopper.

• Do not pursue after any suspects
• Always be aware of your surroundings. That way, you will be able to react to any suspicious activity going on around you which might put your stuff (and you) in danger.
• Use a hands-free unit
• Don't leave your phone unattended
• Do not text and walk at the same time
• Hide your phone away when you are not using it
• Do not keep your personal information in your phone
• Password protect your device
• Use an anti-theft software

• Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas.
• Don't use headphones while walking.
• Do not text and walk at the same time
• Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP-831-6111.

At 1:40 PM this evening (3/8/18) a WPI student reported to the WPI Police that he was approached twice by an aggressive panhandler. The first time was Tuesday (3/6/18) at 7PM while he was walking by Berkshire Street and Highland Street, a female approached him and asked for money, he did not comply.  The second time was this morning at 10:20AM as he was walking by Highland Street and Howe Street.  The same female along with a male approached him.  The female said, “Do you have any money?”  The student gave the female $15.00 dollars out of his wallet.  While his wallet was open the male observed a bankcard.  The male asked, can you take out money?.  The student agreed and took out of the ATM, an additional $40.00 dollars and gave it to the female and male.  At no time were any weapons shown or physical threats made.

The two suspects description:  Female: Slim, dark skin black, 20-30 YOA, wearing black/gray hoodie coat.  Male: Light skin black, wearing dark yellow jacket carrying a yellow luggage.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Use well-traveled routes.
• Be aware of what is going on around you.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.
• Walk purposefully and briskly. If you are followed.
• Don’t engage with aggressive panhandler, walk away if possible

Students and Employees are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious persons or incidents to WPI Police immediately. The WPI Police Department is providing this information to aid in your personal safety on campus. Utilize WPI Campus Safety Transports Services: Gateway Shuttle, theShuttle and SNAP 508-831-6111.