Incident
On the morning of June 20, 2026, MIT Police responded to two separate calls at NW86, Sidney-Pacific residence hall at 70 Pacific Street in Cambridge, MA. Two victims on different floors reported property missing from their units. One victim reported the theft of their cell phone, which was later recovered. One victim reported the loss of their Trek Domane bicycle.
Video captured at NW86 shows the person of interest banging on a side door and an unknown person opening the door and allowing entry. The person of interest did not show ID or key into the residence hall. Surveillance video shows the person of interest removing a bicycle from the building, which matched the description of the bicycle reportedly stolen during the time frame listed above.
Suspect
The person of interest appears to be an African American male wearing a navy blue t-shirt, blue jeans, black Nike sneakers, and an army like bike helmet. The individual also appeared to have been carrying a black backpack.
Summary
While victims of crimes are never to blame for criminal activity, there are some precautions that can be taken. In order to protect yourself and your belongings from theft and/or facilitate the recovery of your stolen property, MIT Police encourage you to follow these tips:
• Any parties attempting to gain access to a residence hall should be directed to the main entrance where they will be required key in with their ID. Or other parties may obtain access from residence hall staff after providing proper ID and valid permission to enter.
• Immediately notify the MIT Police at 617-253-1212 or 100 from any campus phone if you believe a crime is occurring, has occurred, or is about to occur.
• Always lock your residential and office doors and windows. Assure that the locks are in good working order.
• Lock your residential or office door if you are leaving (even if only for a minute or two).
• When entering or exiting an office, make sure the door closes tightly behind you.
• Report person(s) acting in a suspicious, alarming or unsafe manner. Report all tailgaters.
The MIT Police want to remind the MIT community that we are located in an urban setting and share many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city.
The MIT Police are investigating this crime and request the assistance from the MIT community. If you wish to leave an anonymous tip please call 617-258-TIPS (8-8477).
Issued by
Captain Andrew Turco
MIT Police Department
570 Memorial Drive, W91
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-1212
mitpd@mit.edu