Safety Notifications

There has been an uptick in bicycle thefts in the Boynton and Faraday Street areas over the past four weeks.  These thefts have occurred in the bicycle racks near the Hampton Inn and Founders Hall.  WPI Police are investigating these incidents and urge you to use high quality locks when securing bicycles to bike racks.

• 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

The WPI Police Department is currently seeing an increase in motor vehicles break-ins, specifically occurring in residential neighborhoods near the WPI campus. The break-ins appear to be occurring during the late evening and overnight hours. Various items of property have been reported stolen. 

There are no suspects at this time.

The WPI Police will continue to remain vigilant and investigate, also working with Worcester Police on these break-ins.

• Make sure your vehicle is locked.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
• Remove expensive articles from your vehicle.
• Do not leave anything of value in view inside the vehicle.
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Do not pursue after any suspects
• Record the serial numbers of your property.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.

 The WPI Police Department is currently seeing an increase in motor vehicles break-ins, specifically occurring in the area of the Faraday Hall parking lot. The break-ins occurred on September 14 and September 15.  At least 2 of the vehicles were left unlocked.  In some of the break-ins, loose cash was taken.

There are no suspects at this time.

The WPI Police will continue to remain vigilant and investigate, also working with Worcester Police on these break-ins.

• Make sure your vehicle is locked.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
• Remove expensive articles from your vehicle.
• Do not leave anything of value in view inside the vehicle.
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Do not pursue after any suspects
• Record the serial numbers of your property.
• Be observant and plan to be a good witness.

On 09/15/20 at approximately 12:45 PM, a WPI student reported that they observed a suspicious vehicle; a black BMW sedan unknown license plate number parked on Institute Road near Dover Street.  The reporting party advised WPI Police that while walking by the vehicle they observed a male individual described as a Hispanic Male in his 20's, unknown clothing sitting alone in the car engaging in a lewd sexual act. The vehicle left the area driving west on Institute Road towards Park Ave.  WPI Police searched the area but the vehicle was gone.   

No communication took place between the student and the suspicious person.  This incident is currently under investigation by WPI Police and Worcester Police.

• 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).   

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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

On Tuesday September 1, 2020 at approximately 01:00 hours, an Unarmed Robbery took place at the corner of Highland Street and Denny Street.  At this time, a WPI Student was confronted by a group of people who demanded money and took a set of headphones.No further personal property was obtained by the suspects at that time.  A brief description of the subjects was provided to police.

Subject #1 was described as a White male, approximately 5'9" with a blonde/light brown ponytail.  Subject #2 was described only as a Hispanic Male, approximately 5'8" tall.  The third subject was described as a female with short dark hair.  No further information about the subjects is available at this time.

Worcester Police Department and WPI Police are currently investigating this incident

• 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

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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

 On 6/25/20 at approx. 6:30PM, a WPI Student reported that approx.1hour prior, her apartment at 120 West Street (which is located across Highland Street) was broken into and items had been stolen.

     The student reports when she arrived home she observed a person entering her apartment carrying a bag over their shoulder.  The student could not identify who the person was, but entered her apartment thinking it was a one of her roommates. Once inside she realized that her roommate was not there and the person she had observed had left the apartment, apparently through an open window.  The student reported that when she checked around the apartment she noticed she was missing 2 game consoles, 2 game controllers, and a "brand-name" bag.

No description of the suspect could be given and no direction of travel was observed.

Worcester Police was also notified and responded, checking the area with negative results.

The incident continues to be under investigation by Worcester Police.

• 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.

• 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

On Sunday May 3, 2020 at 1927 hours, a WPI student reported that he was assaulted at the Intersection of Park Avenue and Institute Road. The victim reported that he was jogging down Park Avenue and attempted to push the crosswalk button to stop traffic at the intersection of Park Avenue and Institute Road. Two males approached the victim. One of the males stated" Don't touch that button that's for me". One of the two males then assaulted the victim. The victim immediately fled on foot and ran toward the direction of Elm Park. The victim described two males, one large white male, approximately 6’5 wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and mask. The other a shorter white male 5’7 to 5’8 wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. The victim was unable to determine the male’s direction of travel. The incident only lasted a few minutes. There were no witnesses to this incident and there are currently no suspects at this time. The Worcester Police and WPI police are actively investigating the incident.

• Always be aware of 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.
• Walk purposefully and briskly. If you are followed
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately to WPI Police 508.831.5433 or 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

On Wednesday March 04, 2020 at approximately 23:51 hours,  WPI students reported that they witnessed a mid size red sport utility vehicle with New York license plates occupied by three white males in the area of Institute and Dean, yelling at other students and making threats through the open windows in the vehicle.  At no time did the male subjects exit the vehicle and approach students.  The vehicle fled in the direction of Highland Street.  Searches for the vehicle by Worcester Polytechnic Institute Police and Worcester Police Department were negative.

• 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.

All community members to remain vigilant.  We ask that if you see or hear anything of concern, or if you have any information about this case, please contact WPI Police 508.831.5433 or emergency line 508.831.5555.

     On 3/02/20 at approximately 10:56PM, a WPI student reported that they observed a suspicious vehicle; a red Ford Taurus sedan with Massachusetts License Plate:81S520  parked on West Street near Institute Road. The reporting party advised WPI Police that while walking by the vehicle they observed a male individual described as a Hispanic Male in his 30’s, wearing a gray jacket sitting alone in the car engaging in a lewd sexual act.  The vehicle left the area driving west on Institute Road towards Park Ave. WPI Police searched the area but the vehicle was gone.

     No communication took place between the student and the suspicious person.

    This incident is currently under investigation by WPI Police and Worcester Police.

Update: 03/02/20

The WPI Safety Notifications issued for a “Suspicious Person” in the area of West Street and Institute Street on February 29 and March 02 involve the same suspect. This suspect has been identified and subsequently trespassed from WPI Property. WPI and Worcester Police continue to investigate these incidents and options through the Worcester District Court.       

• 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).   

• 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.
• Walk purposefully and briskly. If you are followed
• Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas.
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately to WPI Police 508.831.5433 or 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

     On 02/29/20 at approximately 3:12PM, a WPI student reported that they observed a suspicious vehicle (Ford Taurus-sedan-maroon/dark red) parked in front of 157 West Street. The reporting party advised WPI Police that while walking by the vehicle they observed a male individual described as: a White Male in his 40’s, unshaven, wearing a black knit hat, and black sunglass, sitting alone in the car engaging in a lewd sexual act.  WPI Police went to the scene but the vehicle had left the area.  No communication took place between the student and the suspicious person.

    This incident is still under investigation by WPI and Worcester Police.

Update: 03/02/20 

The WPI Safety Notifications issued for a “Suspicious Person” in the area of West Street and Institute Street on February 29 and March 02 involve the same suspect. This suspect has been identified and subsequently trespassed from WPI Property. WPI and Worcester Police continue to investigate these incidents and options through the Worcester District Court.       

• 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).   

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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

   On Tuesday January 21,2020 at 1958 hours, Worcester Police responded to 24 Elbridge St for an unarmed robbery. Worcester Police notified WPI Police that the unarmed robbery occurred at the intersection of West St and Elbridge St. The victim who was a WPI student was walking down West St when two males approached him. The two males then assaulted the victim and took his wallet and car keys. The two males were described as black males, dressed in all black, wearing hoodies and both were over 6'0 tall. The suspects fled on foot down Elbridge St and took a left on Boynton St and continued to flee in an unknown direction.  The incident only lasted a few minutes.There were no witnesses to this incident and there are currently no suspects at this time. The Worcester Police Detective Bureau and the WPI Police Department are actively investigating the incident. 

• Always be aware of 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.
• Walk purposefully and briskly. If you are followed
• Always report any suspicious activity immediately to WPI Police 508.831.5433 or 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

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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).

On Thursday January 16, 2020 at approximately 01:15 hours, a student reported seeing an older male exiting out of a parked vehicle which belonged to another student.  The male was described as an older dark skinned male, thin build wearing a green military style jacket, black hat, black pants and a black backpack.  The male subject left the area on a bicycle in the direction of Salisbury Street.

WPI Police Department and Worcester Police Department are investigating 

• 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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).   

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 by Transloc App (iOS/Android).