BU’s Annual Security Report Reflects Changing Patterns

BU's Annual Security Report Reflects Changing Patterns

The report, mandated by the federal Clery Act, prompts reminders from BUPD to lock doors, be mindful of surroundings, report suspicious behavior

Every year, Boston University releases a security report, detailing crimes on its campuses reported during the previous calendar year. It's a requirement of all universities under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

In addition to listing statistics, in a nod to living on an urban campus like BU, the report lists "the five most important things you can do to avoid being a victim of a crime:"

"BU is a safe and welcoming environment, but it's always smart to stay alert and take basic precautions," says Lieutenant Daniel Healy of the Boston University Police Department. "If you see something suspicious or feel unsafe at any time, don't ever hesitate to contact BUPD" at 617-353-2121. "Walking in well-lit areas and traveling with a friend at night can also enhance your personal safety."

BU's most recent report says reported thefts and aggravated assaults rose on campuses in 2024. The Medical Campus saw 17 reported robberies, up from 9 in 2023. Burglary reports on the CRC meanwhile rose to 15, up from 8. Burglary involves illegal entry into a building, while robbery is stealing through the use of force or fear.

The Medical Campus reported 5 gropings, called "forcible fondlings," down dramatically from 22 in 2023, while the Charles River Campus had 7 reports, down from 21. Officials say that the 2023 surge resulted from two cases involving 13 reports. "We believe that 2024 is a return to more typical reporting for this category," Healy says.

Aggravated assault reports rose on both campuses: 23 on the Medical Campus, up from 17, and 7 on the CRC, up from 3.

"Both robbery and assault categories, while up from 2023, are more typical of reporting numbers we have seen historically," Healy adds. "We don't see 2024 as a spike in these crime categories."

To protect against theft, the report advises students and staff to keep their personal property close by in dining rooms, libraries, and other public places. Specifically:

The report also includes residential fires. It listed eight on the CRC, versus a dozen in 2023. For the third year running, the Medical Campus student residence had none.

The report covers crimes reported to the Boston University Police Department on BU campuses, streets, and sidewalks adjacent to University property, and other BU educational programs that are located outside of the Boston area, such as Study Abroad sites. Fenway Campus statistics are included in the CRC's statistics.

Students who need help for stalking, domestic violence, or dating violence can contact the Survivor Advocacy, Response & Prevention Center, 930 Commonwealth Ave., at 617-353-SARP (7277) or by email at [email protected]. All services are free and information is kept confidential. In urgent situations, students can also seek help at Student Health Services Behavioral Medicine, at 617-353-3569. University employees who experience stalking, domestic violence, and dating violence can contact the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, at 617-353-5381 or by email at [email protected]. Students and staff can call the Boston University Police Department, at 617-353-2121, or the Medical Campus Public Safety Department, at 617-358-4444.

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