[Cp-bulletin] Main Street and Longfellow Bridge armed robbery bulletin

[Cheryl N Vossmer]

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE

CRIME ALERT:

August 21, 2012 - The MIT Police Department is asking faculty, staff and students to be vigilant after two recent armed street robberies which occurred in Cambridge.

The first incident occurred on August 17-18 between 11:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. when a male was approached by a group of 6 or 7 males, and 3 or 4 females who "went through his pockets". The victim states they stole his wallet, passport and cellphone. The victim described the suspects as 20 to 25 years of age and black. A knife was shown when the victim attempted to obtain his passport back. This incident is being investigated by the Cambridge Police and the victim has no affiliation with MIT.

The second incident occurred on August 20 at approximately 04:00 a.m. in the area of the Longfellow Bridge, when a male stated he was robbed of his wallet by a suspect who stated he had a gun. The victim described the suspect as a dark skinned Hispanic male, 20 - 25 years of age, 5'8" - 5'10" wearing a turquoise colored zipper hoodie and yellow sneakers. The suspect fled towards Boston. This incident was reported to the MA State Police and the victim has no affiliation with MIT

To avoid being victimized, MIT and Cambridge Police encourage all persons to take the following precautions when walking at night:
Do not wear earbuds, headphones, or listen to music while walking alone.
Always walk with a friend or in a group when possible.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts.
Walk with confidence on the street and at a good, steady pace. Keep your head up and observe your surroundings. Don't look down at the ground.
If you feel you are being followed, show you are suspicious - Turn to look at the person. This sends a clear message that you will not be taken by surprise.
Change directions. If someone is following you on foot, cross the street and vary your pace. If the person following you is in a car, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
If approached, DO NOT RESIST. The best course of action is to hand over money and whatever other belongings are demanded and try to disengage from this confrontational and potentially dangerous situation as soon as possible. Remember, things can always be replaced.
Try to remember descriptive information about the robber (height, age, race, etc.) to relay to police when reporting the incident.
More safety tips are available on the Cambridge Police Department's website at www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips<http://www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips>.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text message to TIP411 (847411). Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message.

"Program the MIT Police number into your mobile phone."
To call the MIT Police, dial 617/253-1212. You can also dial 100 from any campus phone.
http://web.mit.edu/cp/www/

The MIT Police serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week, says Sgt.Vossmer. "We're here to ensure a safe educational environment and to help in emergencies," she says. "Putting our number in your phone is a quick and easy way to be prepared if you need us. If you are uncomfortable in any situation, do not hesitate to call us."

"Take advantage of MIT's shuttles and SafeRide."
MIT shuttles provide transportation across the campus and to neighborhoods in Cambridge, Boston, and Brookline from early morning until late night.

"Check out the shuttle schedules and routes to learn how MIT can help you get close to home, even late at night," says Sgt. Vossmer. Learn more about MIT shuttles.
http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/shuttles/index.html

SafeRide provides safe transportation within and around the MIT campus from 6PM to 2:30AM Sunday through Wednesday and 6PM to 3:30AM Thursday through Saturday. The service is free and available to all members of the MIT community. Learn more about SafeRide.
http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/shuttles/safe_ride.html

The free MIT app for smart phones has a great "Shuttles" feature with schedules and real-time shuttle tracking. Download the MIT app here.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mit-mobile/id353590319?mt=8

"Be aware. Don't take your safety for granted."
MIT is an open campus in an urban area, notes Sgt. Vossmer. "We share many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city," she says. "One of the most important lessons I've learned is that you must be aware when you are traveling around MIT and the neighboring communities."


Issued by:
Sgt. Cheryl Vossmer
MIT Police
617-253-1212
No part of this message can be changed or altered without permission.


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