Neighborhood ALERT!!!

ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

Your neighborhood has reported an increase in robberies during the month of April.

Between April 8 & April 18, five street robberies involving suspects who are targeting victims for purses/wallets and/or cell phones in the Jamaica Plain area were reported to police.  The robberies have occurred between 10 PM and 5 AM, with the majority occurring between 10:50 PM and 11:20 PM.  The suspect is generally described as a BM/HM 5’8” – 6’2”.  The first two robberies were unarmed, and a firearm was used in the last three.  Beware that violence was used in one of the robberies.  In three of the robberies, the suspect fled in a black sedan, believed to be driven by another BM.  Also, in three of the robberies, the suspect targeted females, and in the other two the suspect targeted males.

We are asking you to help us prevent further victimization by observing our “Protect yourself” tips outlined below.  Also you may add and distribute along any other tips that you may think of.

Thank you for your assistance.

Protect Yourself While You Are Out

• Be alert of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Do not walk alone - try to walk with a partner.
• Hide all electronic gadgets, and do not expose them to public view.
• Do not talk on a cell phone or wear earplugs while listening to an IPod, CD player or radio while traveling.  This activity decreases your ability to pay attention to your surroundings and makes you a target for criminals.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb.  Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Avoid shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds and vacant lots.
• Walk confidently, with a purpose and at a steady pace.  Know the location of where you are traveling before you set out for the destination.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street.  Continue walking.
• Make eye contact with people when walking, without staring, and make a mental note of the description of suspicious individuals.
• If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and body; if possible, leave it at home.
• Keep your house or car keys ready.  Have them ready before approaching your house or car
• If confronted, try to remain calm.
• If a criminal states he has a weapon, don’t challenge him/her, do not resist – cooperate.  Never try to apprehend the criminal.
• Avoid potentially dangerous situations.  If you feel threatened or are followed, cross the street - trust your instincts.  Do not allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep.  Go to a public place; enter a store, MBTA station, or place of business where you can call the police.

Keep up the appearance of your neighborhood.  Broken street-lights, abandoned cars, vacant buildings, graffiti, litter and run down areas attract crime – report them to the City.

For more information, contact the District E-13 Community Service Office at: (617) 3543-5624, or via email; larac.bpd@cityofboston.gov