Community Advisory
Unarmed robberies
Appleton Street and Kirkland and Holden Streets, Cambridge
The Cambridge Police Department released the following Citizen Alert:
CITIZEN ALERT: Cambridge Police Share Information on Recent Unarmed Street Robberies
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – September 27, 2013 – The Cambridge Police Department is asking residents to be vigilant after three women were victimized in unarmed robberies last night (Thursday, 9/26/13) in Cambridge.
The first incident occurred at approximately 10:05 p.m. in the area of Appleton Street. A female in her twenties stated she was walking alone to her car when she was struck in the head from behind by an unknown object and her cell phone was taken by what is believed to be a single male suspect.
The second and third incidents occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. in the area of Kirkland and Holden Streets. Two females in their twenties state they were approached by a black male suspect and knocked to the ground. One of the female’s cell phones was then stolen.
Cambridge Police are actively investigating these incidents and ask anyone with information to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3368. Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via phone, email, and text message, should visit www.CambridgePolice.org/Tips.
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.
Disseminated at 1:20 PM on September 28, 2013.
Contact: Steven Catalano - steven_catalano@harvard.edu