Incident
On October 28, 2020, at approximately 8:00 AM, the MIT Police along with the Cambridge Fire Department responded to the NW35 residence hall located at 235 Albany Street, Cambridge, MA. Upon interviewing the reporting party, she stated she observed a fire in which cardboard boxes were placed on top of a stove in the kitchen area of the 1st floor. At that time, the oven and all four burners appeared to be on. The MIT Police Department and the Cambridge Fire Department are continuing to investigate.
Suspect
There is no description of the suspect(s) at this time.
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:
• See Something – Say Something: 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.
• Immediately report any fire to the MIT Police at 617-253-1212 or 100 from any campus phone.
• In case of fire, have an escape plan with two options if possible and discuss it with all residents.
• Do not try to extinguish large, dangerous fire alone.
• Contact the MIT Police even if a smaller fire has been extinguished.
• Do not stop to collect personal belongings and do not re-enter a burning building for any reason.
• Burning paper on bulletin boards is arson, call the authorities. Always lock your office and residential doors and windows. Assure that the locks are in good working order.
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 J. Turco
MIT Police Department