A better definition of obesity
January 14, 2025
The following message was delivered to the Northwestern Community by University Police.
Dear Members of the Northwestern Community,
The Northwestern Police Department wants to reassure our community that we are working to enhance safety and security on the Evanston campus. We have increased patrols across the campus and are taking other precautions with the Evanston Police Department to protect the Northwestern community in the wake of three reported incidents since October 28 in which students were accosted at night. We have heard the concerns of the community, and we want to provide information regarding the incidents and our committed response.
We have no higher priority than the safety and security of our students and the wider community. As University Police increases its vigilance, it is important that we work together to ensure a safer environment for our community. Prevention starts with awareness, and we encourage students, faculty and staff to use extra caution when walking, especially at night, and to walk with others when possible.
In an emergency, dial 911. You can also use one of the approximately 100 blue light emergency telephones located on and around campus. Report suspicious activity to University Police at 847-491-3456 or the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000.
Incidents reported
- On Oct. 28 at 10:18 p.m., a Northwestern student’s backpack was grabbed from behind and lewd suggestions were made as she crossed the street at Chicago Avenue and Sheridan Road. She escaped the offender, described as a tall white male with blonde hair and a Russian accent.
- On Nov. 4 at 10:20 p.m., a Northwestern student was approached and grabbed from behind on University Place near Scott Hall. She escaped the offender, a Hispanic male with black hair, whom Northwestern Police apprehended and arrested for battery. He is currently being held in Cook County jail.
- On Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m., a Northwestern student’s backpack was grabbed from behind as she walked on Hinman Avenue near Sheridan Road. She escaped the offenders, described as two approximately six-feet-tall males.
University Police and the Evanston Police Department will continue increased patrols on and near the Evanston campus, and additional security officers will conduct patrols.
Campus safety services
As a reminder, the Department of Safety & Security offers free services to the University community, including safety escorts by University Police, and our Transportation and Parking team provides free shuttles across the Evanston campus. From now through March 2019 with shorter evening daylight hours, the Campus Loop operates from 6 p.m. until late into the night, and the Evanston Loop operates additional evening routes Thursday - Saturday that originate at the Library/Norris Center. Track shuttles in real-time via the TransLoc app.
You can also download the NUHelp app and use the Safe Walk and Safe Ride services.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Interim Deputy Chief of Police Eric Chin at eric.chin@northwestern.edu or 847-467-3064, or me at balewis@northwestern.edu or 847-491-4933.
