Crime Alert: CTA Red Line Safety Alert

Loyola Community,

Campus Safety is writing to advise you of a few incidents that have been brought to our attention that have occurred recently on the CTA Red Line.

On Monday, February 13, two female Loyola students were victims of a battery at the Loyola Red Line station. The students were getting on the train when they had an encounter with a man who then struck both of the students resulting in minor injuries. Through a collaborative investigation with officers from the Chicago Police Department (CPD), an offender was identified, located, arrested, and charged.

Campus Safety was also made aware of another incident that occurred on Tuesday, January 31, on a CTA Red Line train at the Morse station. A female Loyola student was approached by an unknown male who inappropriately exposed and grabbed himself before demanding the woman’s cell phone and money. The woman was able to retain her possessions and reported the incident to the CPD.

We at Campus Safety are aware of the large number of our students, faculty, and staff that utilize public transportation to get to and from campus every day. Due to this recent criminal activity, we wanted to take this time to remind you about simple ways to stay safe while using public transportation.

Safety Tips:

• When riding a bus, use a stop that is well lit and near a coffee shop or store that's open.
• Travel with a friend or co-worker whenever possible.
• Know the bus or train schedule ahead of time. Utilize CTA bus tracker to verify when your bus will arrive.
• Do not sleep on the bus or train.
• Sit near the bus driver.
• Be prepared. Have your money, fare card, or U-Pass ready to give to the driver. This way you won't fumble with your wallet or purse.
• Do not engage in unnecessary conversation with strangers.
• Never give out any personal information.
• Stay alert!
• Move away from people who appear intoxicated, even if this means getting off at another stop or moving to another train car.
• Do not share a cab with a stranger. If you take a cab alone, text the cab number to a friend for future reference if needed.
• Sit near the aisle so you can get up quickly if someone is bothering you.
• Do not sit near the exit door on buses, trains, or subways. At stops, when door opens, someone can reach in and snatch your purse or briefcase.
• Hold on firmly to your purse or briefcase. Do not put it on the seat beside you. Keep it in your lap or wedge it between your feet.
• Tuck necklaces and other jewelry inside your clothing and turn rings around so they are not visible, or remove jewelry entirely before using public transportation.

Thank you for your time. Make sure to immediately report any incidents to the CPD and/or Campus Safety.

Sincerely,

Robert Fine

Director, Department of Campus Safety