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From: Phoebe Sinclair [mailto:psinclair@agassiz.org]
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 10:16 AM
To: Phoebe Sinclair
Subject: Harvard University Police Department Community Advisory

Agassiz Community,

Please read below for a message from Harvard University Police.  Thanks for your attention.

Regards,
Phoebe Sinclair

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COMMUNITY ADVISORY
Attempted Armed Robbery
Science Center Plaza near Quincy Street, Cambridge

On Tuesday, April 21, 2008, a female graduate student reported to the Harvard University Police Department that she was the victim of an attempted armed robbery at approximately 12:20 AM.  The victim stated she exited Harvard Yard through the Thayer Gate and was traveling on the walkway between Memorial Hall and Cambridge Street overpass when she was approached by an unknown male who struck her in the head with a metal pipe and attempted to take her purse.  After being struck the victim fled the area and contacted the HUPD.  The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.


The victim was unable to provide a detailed description of the suspect.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Harvard University Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 617-495-1796.

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.

The Harvard University Police Department reminds community members to 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 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 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 escort and transportation information can be found at http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/prevention_escorts.php.

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 “Playing it Safe” booklet, which can be found at http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/prevention_handbook.php.

Please post, copy and distribute as of 12:00 PM, April 21, 2009.  For questions about this alert, 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.

Steven G. Catalano
Assistant Director for Strategic Planning and Analysis
Harvard University Police Department
1033 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th floor
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
617-495-9225
steven_catalano@harvard.edu