Community Advisory - Attempted Armed Robbery Sunken Gardens

May 20, 2015

On Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at approximately 3:00 AM three female undergraduate students reported to the Harvard University Police Department that they were robbed while walking through the Sunken Gardens in Radcliffe Yard.  The victims stated that they were approached by a male who displayed what appeared to be a knife and demanded their purses.  The victims fled the area and did not give over their property.  The victims were not injured during the incident.

 

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Harvard University Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 617-495-1796. 

 

If at any time you observe any type of suspicious activity or have been the victim of a violent crime, regardless of the location of the incident, please notify the Harvard University Police Department immediately at 617-495-1212.  Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to store the HUPD’s urgent number in their cell phone. 

 

The Harvard University Police Department wants to remind students, faculty, and staff that we are located in an urban setting and share many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city.  Community members should be vigilant while walking throughout campus and surrounding areas both during the day and at night and to take the appropriate precautions, such as walking with others and utilizing walking escorts, taxi escort (Longwood campus), the shuttle bus and evening van service whenever possible.  Students, faculty, and staff also may call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212 if they believe they are in danger while waiting for transportation due to the hour or circumstance.  The Harvard University Police Department will assist with transportation whenever appropriate.  Additional safety, escort, and transportation information can be found at http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/your-role-staying-safe.  

 

Persons should avoid talking on cell phones, listening to music, or walking too close to persons unnecessarily.  If you suspect you are being followed, stay away from dimly lit areas and head for a store or building that you know to be open.  Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area and call the Harvard University Police Department.  If you are approached by someone displaying a weapon and demanding your property, it is recommended that you comply with the request and not resist. 

 

If you suspect you are being followed, stay away from dimly lit areas and head for a store or building that you know to be open. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area and call the Harvard University Police Department.  For more detailed information on safety and security please read the Harvard University Police Department's annual security report entitled "Playing it Safe”, which can be found at http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/annual-security-report .

 

For questions about this advisory, please contact the Harvard University Police Department's Public Information Officer, Steven G. Catalano, at 617-495-9225 or by email at steven_catalano@hupd.harvard.edu.

 

Disseminated at 8:45 AM on May 20, 2015.