Unfortunately, we all need to read and take precautions... From: psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of Gale Halpern Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 9:35 PM To: Porter Square Neighbors Association Subject: [PSNA] Neighborhood Vandalism Neighbors-- (Some of you may have gotten this info already via another listserv, but wanted to share it more widely. Sorry for the delay to this group.) FYI, apropos of the recent Police Alert re smartphone robberies in the area. This is a "variation on the theme." PLEASE BE ALERT! While I was sitting in my car on Agassiz St. around 10:15 p.m. last Wednesday, 5/9), talking on the phone, a guy walked by and smashed the front passenger window and stole my purse (with all my IDs, credit cards, cash, etc.--but not my house and car keys and cell phone) from the front seat. I had seen him walk down the street past my car a few minutes before (but didn't think anything of it), and then he came back up. He made his move so quickly that I didn't realize for a minute that he had actually grabbed my purse. I was not hurt, tho' of course I was shaken up. I screamed very loudly--a lot--but no one heard. I didn't think to honk the horn (wish I had). I called 911 right away and they sent officers over and said they had other patrol cars out looking for the guy. A detective followed up on Thursday and Friday. My dealings with Cambridge police on this have been very good. I thought I was safe in my car--that is, I really didn't think about being vulnerable at all in that situation. Thought everyone should know and take care. And if you're in your car, honk the horn or hit the panic button on your car key! Unfortunately, I don't have a real description of the SOB who attacked my car and stole my purse. It was dark, he didn't "look suspicious" so I didn't take special note, and he hit SO FAST that I didn't have a chance to process what was happening in the instant. He was pretty "average," I think--medium tall-ish, medium build (not heavy), Caucasian or possibly of (lighter) color (definitely not African-American), not too old/not too young--and wore a hoodie of some sort (dark clothes). I wish I could be more helpful so we could know who we're looking for. What I wish I knew/had thought of before (re car violation): -Do not keep handbags on the car seat; put them on the floor, if possible. -Try to keep keys in a separate place (mine happened to be in my coat pockets). -If there's trouble, honk your horn! -If your car key/fob has a panic button, use it! -Always be alert/vigilant--don't assume safety (even in your car). -Of course, always be careful for your own safety. I was "lucky" in this case--no attack on me, and the guy disappeared immediately. But you never know what these crazies are capable of. FYI re insurance coverage: If you have Commerce for auto insurance and also have AAA, they have a benefit where the first $250 of personal property loss (belongings) is covered, without a deductible. (Don't know if other companies have such an arrangement.) Homeowners insurance would apply, but likely has a deductible before you can collect. My car insurance covers glass damage with no deductible, so replacing my window was at no expense to me. Please feel free to share your experiences and suggestions. We could all benefit. PS: If anyone finds a medium-size black leather bag with a long shoulder strap and interior zip and open pockets, it might be mine. I had a lot of stuff in it, including--most valuable and irreplaceable--appointment book, address book, etc. If you should find it, please contact me or Cambridge police. Thanks. --Gale Halpern