Safety Notifications

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.

• 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.
• 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.