On Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at approximately 5:00 AM a female undergraduate student reported to the Harvard University Police Department that she was indecently assaulted while on Plympton Street near Quincy House at approximately 12:45 AM. The victim reported that she was approached by two males who called out to her. One of the males grabbed her, threw her against a wall and then began kissing her and fondled her chest. The victim immediately began screaming and fled the area. The victim was unable to provide a detailed description of the offender and the individual he was with.
The HUPD is actively investigating this indecent assault and battery. 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.
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 12:30 PM on December 11, 2018.