Incident
On January 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, the MIT Police responded to 416 Beacon Street (Delta Tau Delta fraternity). According to the reporting party, a contractor had arrived at the house at approximately 7:00 AM, around 12 hours earlier. The contractor reported that the lock box to the house appeared to have been damaged and the keys to the house were missing.
Video surveillance of the entry to the house, which is owned and maintained by the residents, showed an unknown individual entering the house at approximately 1:00 PM on January 1, 2024. The unknown individual then removed a large, dark-colored backpack and departed approximately 15 minutes later.
Suspect
According to footage provided by the reporting party, the subject involved appears to be a Caucasian male, approximately 5’6” to 6’0” tall. Subject wore blue jeans, black boots, a grey hooded sweatshirt under a dark colored jacket. Subject wore rimmed glasses and Milwaukee working gloves with black and red writing, and a dark colored backpack.
Subject operated a black, hybrid road bicycle with red handlebars.
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:
• 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 doors and windows. Assure that the locks are in good working order.
• Close and lock first floor windows at night or when not at home. If windows have a box air conditioner, consider using a brace to prevent intruders from using those windows a way to gain entry.
• Lock your residential door if you are leaving (even if only for a minute or two).
• When entering or exiting a residence or, make sure the door closes tightly behind you.
• Report suspicious activity or individuals behaving in a suspicious, erratic, dangerous manner.
• Report all tailgaters.
The MIT Police Department reminds the MIT community that our campus is located in an urban setting and shares many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city.
The MIT Police are actively 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
565-570 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, Ma. 02139
617-253-1212