ADVISORY: Cambridge Police Investigate Spate of Recent Robberies & Violent Crimes

The Cambridge Police Department continues to investigate several recent violent crimes in Cambridge. 

Police have identified three separate and distinct sets of crimes that are believed to be unrelated and geographically diverse.  These incidents are not confined to Harvard Square as has been incorrectly described.

On September 8, a male victim was stabbed in JFK Park.  This is state property and Massachusetts State Police investigated the crime and arrested a suspect shortly after the crime was reported.  On September 28, another male victim was stabbed in JFK Park and suffered a small wound to his arm.  Massachusetts State Police continue to investigate this incident and no arrests have been made at this time.

A male victim was assaulted and robbed of his backpack at knifepoint by a group of people on Garden Street near the Cambridge Common on September 30.  Police immediately identified several individuals who may have been responsible, but the suspects were release as a result of a lack of cooperation on the part of the victim.

Detectives are actively pursuing leads in these crimes.

On Thursday, September 26, three women were assaulted and two cell phones stolen during unarmed robberies on Appleton Street and Kirkland at Holden Street.  A Citizen Alert was sent to inform the public of these crimes and police continue to investigate.

In addition, a male was robbed of his cell phone at gun point by two males on Buena Vista Park and Upland Road on September 29.  This crime was not immediately reported to police and no suspects were apprehended.  Detectives continue to investigate.

Police do not believe these three distinct sets of crimes are related, however the department recognizes these recent crimes may have placed students and residents in fear, and the department is stepping up patrols throughout the city as well as placing teams of officers and plainclothes detectives in affected areas to monitor any suspicious or potentially criminal activity.

Residents and students are also encouraged to take the following precautions to avoid being victimized:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts.
• Do not wear earbuds, headphones, or listen to music while walking alone.
• Always walk with a friend or in a group when possible.
• 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.

A detailed breakdown of all crime in Cambridge will be available on our website on Friday with the release of our monthly BridgeStat Crime Report at www.CambridgePolice.org/BridgeStat.

Cambridge Police are actively investigating these incidents and ask anyone with information to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300.   Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via phone, email, and text message, should visit www.CambridgePolice.org/Tips.