{
  "id": "2018-02-08-fitchburg-state-university-ss18-02-motor-vehicle-theft",
  "slug": "fitchburg-state-university-ss18-02-motor-vehicle-theft-2018-02-08",
  "institution": {
    "name": "Fitchburg State University",
    "shortName": "Fitchburg State",
    "state": "MA",
    "type": "public-masters",
    "alertSystemName": "FSU Crime Alert / Timely Warning",
    "enrollment": 6500
  },
  "incident": {
    "date": "2018-02-08",
    "type": "police-activity",
    "cleryCategory": "timely-warning",
    "resolution": "under-investigation",
    "headline": "Safety notice increased police presence Fitchburg State",
    "headlinePublic": "Safety notice increased police presence Fitchburg State",
    "summary": "Fitchburg State University [published an FSU Crime Alert / timely warning](https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/about/university-police/timely-warnings). Full text recovered.",
    "outcome": "See official alert."
  },
  "alerts": [
    {
      "sequence": 1,
      "type": "initial",
      "timestampApprox": "2018-02-08",
      "channel": "email",
      "verbatimText": "FSU Crime Alert #SS18-02: Safety Notice \n\nThursday February 8, 2018 2:42 p.m. \n\nThis is a safety notice from Fitchburg State University. University Police are investigating instances of female students being approached by a suspicious individual inviting them for a ride in their vehicle. \n\nThe latest incident was alleged to have occurred around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 near the intersection of North and Main streets. A female Fitchburg State student was walking on North Street when a white male in his 30s with shoulder-length black hair driving a dark colored minivan approached her and lowered his window. He asked if she was a Fitchburg State student and if she needed a ride. She declined and walked away, entering a nearby store. \n\nFurther investigation yielded a report of a similar encounter last October between a disheveled male in a vehicle approaching a female Fitchburg State student and offering her a ride in the same location. Both incidents were first reported to University Police this week and their investigation is continuing. \n\nAs always, we encourage members of the campus to keep the following in mind:\n\nIf possible, avoid walking alone or walking near vacant lots, alleys, construction sites, and wooded areas. \nUse well-lit and busy sidewalks. \nLearn the location of emergency phones on campus. \nCarry a cell phone, whistle or a personal alarm to alert people that you need help. \nDo not talk on the phone, use an iPod or anything else. \nPay attention to your instincts. \nWhen walking to your car, carry your keys ready in hand. \nWhen being dropped off at your residence by a taxi, friend or family, ask the driver to wait until you get inside. \nWhen getting out of a car at a mall, rest stop, etc., take a look around to make sure that you are not being followed. \nTell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive. \nThe University offers a free app called RAVE Guardian that lets users create a profile of information about themselves, and invite family and friends to their safety network. When needed, the user can request one or more of their Guardians to virtually walk with them on or off campus. The Rave Guardian App can be downloaded in the Apple or Google Play stores by searching for \"Rave Guardian.\" Fitchburg State users can also download it directly from the University's mobile app. \nCall University Police for a student security escort to your vehicle or building.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/about/university-police/timely-warnings",
      "sourceDescription": "Official Fitchburg State University timely warnings archive",
      "annotations": [
        "Verbatim from official Fitchburg State timely warnings page."
      ],
      "characterCount": 2426,
      "confidence": "high"
    }
  ],
  "context": "Fitchburg State timely warnings archive mining (wider b62).",
  "keyFindings": [
    "Complete official FSU Crime Alert recovered."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "Timely Warnings - Fitchburg State University",
      "url": "https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/about/university-police/timely-warnings",
      "type": "official-archive",
      "accessDate": "2026-07-26"
    }
  ],
  "confidence": "high",
  "tags": [
    "public-masters",
    "timely-warning",
    "massachusetts",
    "wider-reach"
  ],
  "dateAdded": "2026-07-26",
  "lastUpdated": "2026-07-26",
  "addedBy": "ingestion"
}