Boston University officials and the Boston Police Department are taking extra precautions after receiving reports about a number of assaults and robberies in the area just beyond West Campus.
In an email sent out on Wednesday, Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore and BUPD Chief Thomas Robbins advised students to be more cautious around the areas just beyond West Campus after criminal activity involving and affecting students forced the university to take action.
“Our students have been victimized by and have participated in criminal behavior within this area &- this is a major concern,” the email said.
In order to reduce this influx of crime, BU has hired additional Boston Police officers to increase the frequency of weekend patrols, now through commencement, in the area west of our campus.”
BU spokesman Colin Riley said that although Boston is a safe city, there have been several incidents involving students and assault cases.
Because alcohol has played a role in past incidents, BU and BPD are most concerned with students who have had “excessive amounts of alcohol,” the email said.
“I hope students who read this think hard and realize that you are responsible for your actions and for your safety to the extent that you don’t put yourself in a bad situation,” Riley said.
The email outlined steps to take when out at late at night such as traveling in groups, remaining aware of surroundings, walking in well-lit locations, avoiding deserted areas and being cautious of strangers.
They also reinforced the importance of contacting BUPD with any concerns.
Students living in West Campus have expressed trepidation at the level of crime in the surrounding area.
Michelle Zimmerman, a freshman in the School of Hospitality Administration, said that she doesn’t feel safe living in West Campus.
“I don’t think security is up to par,” she said. “I know someone from my floor who got robbed right in front of the doors leading into the building. He was just sitting on the benches, there were guards nearby, and he got robbed.”
The incident took place at 4 a.m., Zimmerman said.
“I would feel safer with added security,” she added.
According to the email, creating this added layer of security is the main goal of the collaboration between BPD and the BUPD.
“BPD and BUPD will share information and collaborate with each other to assess, investigate and address outstanding and reoccurring public safety issues within the area,” the email states.
Over the summer, extra security is unneeded because the campus population decreases tremendously during the summer, Riley said.
“Most students are gone after exams,” he said.
Riley said that BU will determine later whether or not the added BPD patrols will remain in place next year.
Staff writers Jaime Lutz, Saba Hamedy and Meaghan Beatley contributed to the reporting of this article.
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