As the fall semester commences, Boston University students have found themselves caught amidst a disconcerting string of burglaries near the campus in recent weeks. Three incidents have been reported within the past two weeks alone.
The first of the recent string of burglaries occurred at 191 Bay State Road, the location of the Harriet E. Richards Cooperative House at Boston University as reported by WCVB. The perpetrator gained access to the building through an open window on the ground level, stealing property from inside the residence. A similarly brazen crime transpired at 133 Bay State Road, part of BU's group of Bay State Road Apartments residences. In this incident, the burglar managed to reach through an open window to steal valuables from within, reported NBC Boston.
The burglaries have escalated when a female resident at 111 Bay State Road, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Student House, discovered a man in her room. As per WCVB, the man fled the scene upon being confronted. Police found numerous open windows at the back of the residence, and after further inquiry, residents reported two laptops and a wallet stolen overnight. The incident left the nearby community feeling vulnerable and seeking answers.
While BU administration has joined forces with local law enforcement to get to the heart of the matter, the unsettling development has struck fear into students, who hardly had time to unpack their bags before receiving the stark warnings. Given the unsettling nature of the events, the atmosphere on-campus has taken a shift from one of excitement and anticipation to a sense of disquiet and uncertainty.
One freshman, James Wong, expressed his unease in an interview with NBC Boston, stating, "It's a little nerve-racking to hear just because I'm moving into college for the first time and to hear that's happening on campus is a little like unnerving." And he is not alone. Another student shared similar sentiments, noting a feeling that safety was jeopardized: "I do hope they catch the person. That would definitely be a relief."
Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, the Boston University Police Department (BUPD) has urged the school community to remain vigilant. They have advised everyone to lock doors, accessible windows, security screens, and to report any suspicious activity. BUPD is currently seeking any information the public may have on the burglaries and anyone with knowledge of the incidents is asked to call the department at 617-353-2121.
