Department of Public Safety | Blog

To the IIT Community:

IIT Public Safety has received another report of an incident where an Illinois Tech student was robbed at gunpoint in the evening. The Chicago Police were notified and although the area was searched, the individuals were not apprehended.

Given that this is the third such incident that has occurred recently near or on Main Campus, we are urging everyone to exercise additional caution when you are on campus or leaving campus after dark. We also strongly recommend the following:

1. Keep your smartphone and tablet hidden while on the street or on the L platform. Thieves are targeting these items.
2. Do not wear earbuds or headphones on the street or L platform.
3. Try to walk with a group of people after dark.
4. Walk or travel on busy routes and stay in well-lit areas.
5. Avoid parking in areas that are poorly lit and check the area around your car before opening the door.
6. Make yourself aware of the location of the emergency phones located throughout Main Campus.
7. Crime can happen at any time of the day or night–and in any part of our city. Stay alert and be aware of what is happening around you.

Remember: If you are confronted or threatened by someone intent on robbing you, cooperate. Give them what they demand. Phone, tablets, purses, and backpacks can be replaced. Risking your life for any of these things isn’t worth it.

Any details you can remember about the incident can help law enforcement officials track down the people committing these crimes. Stay alert–and stay safe.

If you are on campus and feel your safety is in jeopardy, please call IIT Public Safety at312.808.6363. Off campus, or in the case of an emergency, call 911.

IIT Public Safety posts daily incident reports on its Facebook page and on its website.

IIT Public Safety also offers an Escort Service to on-campus locations, parking lots, and the Red Line stations. Call 312.808.6300 to schedule and an IIT Public Safety officer will be dispatched to accompany you to your destination. Please understand that this service is not always available immediately and it is possible that you may need to wait for the officer to arrive. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will continue to send out these advisories as necessary throughout the year.

And if you have any suggestions that can help keep our community even safer, please send them our way.

Thank you.

Bruce Watts
VP of Facilities and Public Safety

Jeanne Hartig
VP of Marketing and Communications