Burglary near the 3rd floor of N52, located at 26 reported to campus community burglary n5
AI-generated · every claim is source-linkedMIT Police issued a crime alert / timely warning on or about 2018-11-24. Full text is preserved from the official MIT Police Crime Alerts archive.
- Alerts
- 1
- Response
- —
- Killed
- 0
- Injured
- 0
Alert Sequence
1 message in sequence · 1 verified verbatim
Confirmed wording is transcribed character-for-character from a primary source. Use Verify this quote under each message to open that source in a new tab and compare the text yourself.
How the first alert is built
To check this alert, Claude Opus 5 (an AI) read it in full 25 separate times, independently. Each read decided whether the message answers each of the six questions and gave a short reason. A final reviewer then weighed all 25 and wrote the plain-English verdict you see when you open a row. The score (for example 22/25) is how many reads agreed; the 25 individual reads are tucked underneath if you want to check them.
An office on the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue was burglarized sometime between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018. There is no suspect description available at this time. Reporting party stated that someone entered the area and removed two desktop computers. The security cables to both computers were cut. It appears that the suspect(s) spray painted over the lens to a security camera in the area. There are no signs of forced entry. Suggestions 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. - Always lock your office doors and windows. Assure that the locks are in good working order. - Lock your 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 suspicious people or activity. 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 Sergeant David J. O'Connor Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit MIT Police 301 Vassar Street Cambridge, MA 02139 617-253-6111
Sourcepresent25/25
Final assessment
Present, 25 of 25: it is issued by "Sergeant David J. O’Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police" with a Cambridge address and phone number.
Who is sending the alert and who is responding. People act faster on a message from a clearly identifiable, credible sender, such as a named department, the police, or a branded alert system, than on an anonymous notice. A branded signature counts.
See all 25 individual reads
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is listed as the issuing officer.
- present: The signature block naming Sergeant David J. O'Connor, MIT Police, identifies the source.
- present: The notice is issued by "Sergeant David J. O'Connor" of the MIT Police, with contact information.
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police Department signs the notice.
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is listed with unit, address and phone.
- present: Signed by Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the "MIT Police", the issuing authority.
- present: Signed by Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police, identifying the issuing unit.
- present: Signed "Sergeant David J. O'Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police".
- present: Signed by Sergeant David J. O'Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police.
- present: MIT Police are investigating and Sergeant David J. O'Connor issues the notification.
- present: The MIT Police Department is named and Sergeant David J. O'Connor signs the closing block.
- present: Signed by Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police with a department address.
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is listed as issuing this notice.
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is listed as issuing the message.
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is named at the close as issuer.
- present: Issued by "Sergeant David J. O'Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police".
- present: The closing identifies "Sergeant David J. O'Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police".
- present: Signed by "Sergeant David J. O'Connor ... MIT Police", identifying the sender.
- present: Issued by Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police with department address.
- present: The closing block "Sergeant David J. O'Connor ... MIT Police" names the issuing officer.
- present: Signed "Sergeant David J. O'Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police."
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police signs this notice.
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is listed as the issuing officer.
- present: Signed by "Sergeant David J. O'Connor, Crime Prevention/Community Policing Unit, MIT Police".
- present: Sergeant David J. O'Connor of the MIT Police is named as the issuing officer.
Hazardpresent25/25
Final assessment
Present, 25 of 25: an office "was burglarized", someone "removed two desktop computers", and the notice adds "There are no signs of forced entry".
What the threat actually is. A complete warning names the specific danger, such as a shooter, a fire, a tornado, or a gas leak, rather than a vague emergency, because people decide what to do based on what they are facing.
See all 25 individual reads
- present: An office "was burglarized", with security cables cut and a camera lens painted over.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with security cables cut and two desktop computers removed.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with two desktop computers removed and security cables cut.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with cut security cables and two desktop computers removed.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: It reports an office "was burglarized" with security cables cut and a camera disabled.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: An office burglary in which security cables were cut and a camera lens painted over is named.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with two desktop computers taken and security cables cut.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with cut security cables indicating a deliberate break in.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with computers taken, cables cut, and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with computers removed and cables cut, a specific crime.
- present: It reports an office "burglarized" with computers removed and security cables cut.
- present: An office "was burglarized", two desktops removed, security cables cut and a camera lens painted over.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with security cables cut and computers taken.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with computers taken and a security camera disabled.
- present: An office "was burglarized", security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted over.
- present: An office "was burglarized", two desktop computers removed and a camera lens spray painted over.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with computers taken and a camera disabled.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with two desktop computers removed and security cables cut.
- present: An office "was burglarized", with computers taken and security defeated.
- present: An office "was burglarized" with security cables cut, a specific crime.
Locationpresent25/25
Final assessment
Present, 25 of 25: the site is "an office on the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
Where the threat is. Saying whether danger is in a specific building, a part of campus, or area-wide lets people judge their own proximity and choose a safe direction. Without a where, a warning is hard to act on precisely.
See all 25 individual reads
- present: The location is "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue."
- present: It locates the office on "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names the 3rd floor of N52, "located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: The office is "on the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: N52, third floor, at 265 Massachusetts Avenue is specified.
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names the 3rd floor of N52 "located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: The location is "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: Location is "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: The location is "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue."
- present: It names "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It gives "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: It specifies "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
- present: The location is "the 3rd floor of N52, located at 265 Massachusetts Avenue".
Guidancepresent25/25
Final assessment
Present, 25 of 25: readers are told "Always lock your office doors and windows", to lock up "even if only for a minute or two", to make sure the door closes tightly, and to report tailgaters.
The protective action to take. A clear, specific instruction, such as shelter in place, evacuate, avoid the area, or run-hide-fight, drives faster and more correct protective behavior than describing the threat alone.
See all 25 individual reads
- present: It tells readers to lock office doors and windows and to report suspicious people and tailgaters.
- present: It instructs readers to lock office doors and windows and report suspicious people and tailgaters.
- present: It tells readers to lock office doors and windows and report suspicious people.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors, keep locks working, and report tailgaters and suspicious people.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors and windows and report suspicious people and tailgaters.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors, close doors behind them, and report suspicious people.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors, ensure doors close behind them, and report suspicious people.
- present: It tells readers to lock office doors, watch for tailgaters, and call MIT Police about crimes.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors even briefly and to report suspicious people or tailgaters.
- present: Readers are instructed to lock office doors and windows, report suspicious people, and call MIT Police.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors, ensure doors close tightly, and report suspicious activity.
- present: Readers are instructed to lock office doors, close them tightly, and report suspicious people.
- present: Recipients are instructed to lock office doors, close them tightly, and report suspicious people or tailgaters.
- present: It instructs recipients to lock office doors and report suspicious people and tailgaters.
- present: It instructs readers to lock office doors and report suspicious people and tailgaters.
- present: It instructs readers to lock office doors, close doors tightly, and report suspicious activity.
- present: It directs readers to lock office doors and windows and to report suspicious people.
- present: Readers are instructed to lock office doors, check doors close, and report suspicious people.
- present: It instructs readers to lock office doors and report suspicious people and tailgaters.
- present: It instructs readers to lock office doors, close doors behind them, and report tailgaters.
- present: It tells readers to lock office doors, close doors tightly behind them, and report suspicious people.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors, close doors fully, and report suspicious activity.
- present: Recipients are told to lock office doors and windows and to report suspicious activity.
- present: It tells readers to lock office doors, report suspicious people, and notify MIT Police at once.
- present: Readers are told to lock office doors and windows, report tailgaters and call MIT Police immediately.
Timepresent25/25
Final assessment
Present, 25 of 25: the window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
When the message applies. A timestamp, the word now or immediately, or a phrase like until further notice tells the reader whether the danger is current and how quickly to act.
See all 25 individual reads
- present: The window spans "4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018."
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is "4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window spans "4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is 4p.m. November 21, 2018 to 4p.m. November 24, 2018.
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018" is stated.
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: It brackets "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The span "4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018" is stated.
- present: The interval "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018" is given.
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window runs "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
- present: The window is "between 4p.m. on November 21, 2018 and 4p.m. on November 24, 2018".
Impactpresent16/25
Final assessment
Present, 16 of 25: loss and deliberate damage are stated, two desktops removed, "The security cables to both computers were cut", and a camera lens spray painted. Nine reads called that method, not consequence.
What the hazard could do to the people in its path. Beyond naming the threat, a complete warning conveys its potential consequences or severity, such as that a tornado can level buildings or that a leak could be explosive, so recipients grasp how much danger they are in. Research on warning message content finds that a concrete impact statement helps people personalize their risk and act sooner.
See all 25 individual reads
- present: Damage and theft are stated: two desktop computers removed, cables cut, camera lens spray painted.
- absent: Cut cables and a painted-over camera lens are described without any statement of danger or severity.
- absent: Spray-painted cameras and cut cables are reported as facts, without any severity claim.
- present: Damage and theft are both stated: two desktops removed, cables cut and a camera lens painted over.
- absent: Spray-painting a camera shows method, not consequence; no severity or risk is stated.
- present: It conveys loss and deliberate damage: two desktops removed, cables cut, camera lens painted over.
- present: The damage is described: two desktop computers removed, security cables cut, camera lens painted over.
- present: Two desktop computers were removed, cables were cut and a camera lens was spray painted over.
- present: Loss and damage are stated: "removed two desktop computers", cut cables and a defaced camera.
- present: Two desktop computers were removed, cables cut and a camera disabled, showing planned damage and loss.
- absent: Spray-painted camera and cut cables are recounted without any statement of danger or severity.
- present: Two desktop computers were removed, cables were cut and a camera was disabled, real loss and damage.
- present: Two desktop computers were removed, security cables were cut, and a camera lens was spray painted over.
- absent: Deliberate tampering is described, but no harm or severity to people is stated.
- present: Two desktops taken, security cables cut and a camera lens spray painted show planned, serious loss.
- present: Damage and theft are described: two desktops removed, cables cut, camera lens spray painted.
- absent: Equipment loss and tampering are noted without any statement of danger to persons.
- present: It describes damage and loss: two desktops removed, cables cut, and a camera lens spray painted.
- present: Damage and loss are described: cut security cables, spray painted camera lens, two computers removed.
- absent: The planning shown by the suspect is noted but no consequence or danger is asserted.
- absent: The notice describes the theft method but states no consequence or severity for the community.
- present: Two desktops were removed, security cables cut, and a camera lens spray painted over.
- absent: Spray painting a camera lens is noted as a fact, without any severity or harm statement.
- present: Two desktops were removed, security cables were cut, and a camera lens was spray painted over.
- present: Two desktop computers were removed, cables cut and a camera lens spray painted, showing deliberate damage.
Coded by Claude Opus 5
Systematic AI judgments with visible reasoning, not human-validated codings.
Background
Key Findings
Sources
Every claim on this page is meant to be checkable. Open the links below (and the Verify this quote control under each confirmed alert) to read the original university, news, or archive page yourself. Hostnames are shown so you can see where you are going; archived copies survive when live pages move or disappear. See also our methodology.
- Official
Campus Alert Archive. "Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Burglary near the 3rd floor of N52, located at 26 reported to campus community burglary n5." Incident of November 24, 2018. Added July 2026; last updated August 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/mit-burglary-n52-2018-11-24/
Alert text quoted on this page remains the work of the issuing institution; the archive is a secondary source.