Rape - Area of Oxford and Kirkland Streets

August 17, 2012

On Friday, August 17, 2012, an unaffiliated female reported to the Somerville Police Department that she was the victim of a rape in the area of Oxford and Kirkland Streets near Harvard University on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, sometime after 11:00 PM. Harvard University Police Department detectives are working with Cambridge Police Department detectives to investigate this incident.

The victim described the offender as a white male, mid-twenties, 5’6” in height, thin build, dark spikey hair, wearing dark pants.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Harvard University Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 617-495-1796 or the Cambridge Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 617-349-3370.

The Harvard University Police Department has increased both uniformed and plainclothes officers and uniformed security guards in and around the Yard and the surrounding campus.

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 this number in their cell phone. Failing to notify the police immediately can seriously hinder the follow-up investigation.

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 appropriate precautions. If you are out after dark, try to travel in groups, use only well-lit routes or designated pathways, and do not allow yourself to be distracted by phone calls or by using ear buds. Make use of shuttle buses, and van service. You should also note the location of blue light phones. You can learn more about the shuttles and van service at https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/shuttle-van-services.

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.

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 "Playing it Safe" booklet, which can be found at https://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@harvard.edu.

Distributed Friday, August 17, 2012 at 1:45 PM.

Contact: Steven Catalano - steven_catalano@harvard.edu

See also: 2012