On Friday, February 13, 2015 a male staff member reported to the Boston Police Department that he was robbed while retrieving his bicycle from the rack in the locking dock area between Vanderbilt Hall and the New Research Building at approximately 8:40 PM. The victim stated while walking up the loading dock toward the street he was approached from behind and was thrown against a fence. One offender took the victim’s wallet while another offender stood guard. The offenders fled the area down Ave Louis Pasteur toward the Fenway. Boston Police Department officers flooded the area to search for the offenders but they were unable to locate them. The victim was not injured during the incident.
Because this incident did not occur on Harvard University property, it is being investigated by the Boston Police Department. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Boston Police Department, District 2 detectives at 617-343-4275. Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via phone or text message should visit http://bpdnews.com/crime-stoppers-text-a-tip-program/.
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.
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 617-495-1212/617-432-1212 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 1:55 PM on February 14, 2015.