Neighborhood Safety
Boston is a relatively safe city, but how do you determine if the neighborhood you are interested living in is safe or not? Trust your instincts. If you are not comfortable in a neighborhood, you should not live there. You can get crime reports and statistics by checking these links:
Boston Police Department News – current crime statistics and data can be found here
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Off-Campus Safety
Walking is a major part of living in the city. Take precautions to stay safe when walking city streets or riding on public transit.
Be aware, be careful, be alert, be smart.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Do not talk on your cell phone, or listen to music when walking to your destination.
- Stay in well-lit, well-traveled areas; avoid shortcuts, bushes, alleys, and dark entryways.
- Walk with someone, or in small groups whenever possible.
- If a car appears to follow you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.
- Do not flaunt your valuables. Carry as little cash as possible. Hide smart phones, iPads, iPods and other electronic devices.
- If you feel you are in danger, do not be afraid to scream and run.
- Always have your keys ready when you arrive home so you can enter your building without delay.
- Stay alert when entering your apartment. Do not talk on your cell phone or look preoccupied when walking toward your building.
- At night, make use of BUMC Public Safety Security Escorts and BUMC Evening T Shuttle to public transportation or a taxi.
- On public transportation beware: a crowded bus or subway can be a haven for purse-snatchers and pickpockets.
- Never keep anything of value in the outer pocket of a backpack—especially wallets and MBTA passes.
- Avoid sitting near the door. A thief can snatch a bag and escape out the door.
- Avoid using your electronic devices on the bus or train. iPods, iPads and smart phones are popular and easy to steal.
- Stay alert, sit near driver to be safe, or move to a car with more passengers.
Emergencies: Dial 911
Wherever you live in the Boston area, for emergency assistance—police, fire or medical—call 911 immediately.
Boston University provides several resources for on campus safety and security plus information and advice on request. BUMC Safety Services are staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week, on call at (617) 414-4444. Service calls for security and facilities as well as emergency response are dispatched from the Command and Control Center, located at 750 Albany Street.