Community Advisory
Unarmed Robbery
1700 block of Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
On Friday, March 11, 2011, at approximately 1:50 PM two male graduate students reported to the Harvard University Police Department that they were the victims of an unarmed robbery while walking on the 1700 block of Massachusetts Avenue at 1:45 PM. The victims stated they were approached from behind by two unknown males who demanded their money and cell phones stating they had a weapon. No weapon was displayed at any time. The victims were not injured during the incident and the offenders fled towards Porter Square.
Because this incident did not occur on Harvard University property, it is being investigated by the Cambridge Police Department. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Cambridge Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division at 617-349-3370.
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, van service, and the Harvard University Campus Escort Program (617-384-8237). 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 and the escort program at https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/campus-escort-program.
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.
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 "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, March 11, 2011 at 5:45 PM.
Contact: Steven Catalano - steven_catalano@harvard.edu