BU students on edge after alarming crimes by intruder in campus apartments

BOSTON — Boston University police are investigating several incidents involving an intruder in on-campus apartment buildings.

On Feb. 10, the unidentified man was seen exposing himself in a common hallway of student housing at 96 Mountfort Street, BU spokesman Colin Riley said.

A BU junior who declined to provide her name told Boston 25 News she and her roommates witnessed the man performing a lewd act outside their suite moments after their neighbors on their all-female floor had caught him sneaking around their bedrooms.

“We heard a noise outside of our door,” she said. “We looked through the peep hole, and we saw a strange man. We don’t know how we got into the building. He was standing outside our door… His genitals were fully exposed.”

The women screamed and the unidentified man fled, she said.

“As a woman, you kind of expect to be on your guard when you’re out, when you’re on the street,” she said. “But for that to have happened in the comfort of our own home… is very scary and very, very upsetting.”

She described the intruder as an unmasked man in his 20s to 30s with brown hair and facial hair, wearing dark clothing. He is not believed to be a student, Riley said.

Boston University police are investigating the incident, along with Brookline and Boston police departments. They have increased their patrols in the area.

The crime is just one of a few disturbing burglaries on BU’s South Campus since Jan. 27. Break-ins also occurred at both 46 Mountfort St., and 6 Buswell St., Riley said. It remains unclear if they are all related.

Another student who also asked not to be identified told Boston 25 News he was the victim of the Buswell Street break-in. Someone had entered his unlocked, private room and stole his coat and other belongings, he reported.

“It happened to me. I wouldn’t want it to happen to anybody else,” he said. “My Canada Goose jacket was stolen – that I adore. And my wallet was stolen. So, my identity could be stolen as well. And I don’t have a driver’s license right now. So, I can’t even drive anywhere.”

Clothing has also been stolen from a laundry room, and students’ mail has been opened.

Boston University Residence Life and campus police have hosted virtual meetings to address residents’ concerns, Riley said.

University officials urge students to lock their private rooms and not to allow anyone to follow them through the locked, main doors to their buildings – a possible way the intruder or intruders gained entry, Riley said.

“These are crimes of opportunity, some people who are more desperate than others,” Riley said. “And we want our students to be safe and secure.”

Students told Boston 25 News they have requested adding security cameras in the area.

BUPD told Boston 25 News Thursday the incidents are still under investigation and referred further comment to Riley.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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