On Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 7:25 PM a male undergraduate student reported to the Harvard University Police Department that he was robbed while walking with another student in Harvard Yard near Thayer Hall. During the incident, the victim stated that they were approached by two unidentified males, when one of the males requested to see one of his Apple Air Pods in order to determine if his charger was working properly. Once the first Air Pod was handed over, the unidentified male then demanded the second one. The victim repeatedly refused to provide the second Air Pod and then asked for the first one back. When the victim attempted to retrieve his Air Pod, the other unidentified male purposely and physically stood in front of the other male to prevent the student from retrieving his property. Out of concern for what may happen if he did not comply, the victim ultimately handed the second Air Pod to the unidentified males. Once the second Air Pod was handed over, the offenders fled the area.
The HUPD is investigating this robbery. 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 (Cambridge campus)/617-432-1212 (Longwood campus.) Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to store the HUPD’s urgent number in their cell phone.
If you have experienced harm or been the victim of a crime and would like information on available resources both on and off campus please visit www.hupd.harvard.edu/personal-and-violent-crime.
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 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 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 2:35PM on March 4, 2019.