Five street robberies in JP between April 8 and 18 have the local E-13 Police Station warning residents to be alert. Two of the robberies were unarmed, while the suspect used a gun in the last three crimes. One of the robberies was described as violent.
The suspect is described as a black or Hispanic man between 5-feet-8-inches and 6-feet-2-inches tall. In three of the robberies, the suspect fled in a black sedan apparently driven by another man, described as black.
The robberies have occurred between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with most between 10:50 and 11:20 p.m. Both men and women have been targeted. The suspect has stolen purses, wallets and cell phones.
Some basic tips to prevent street robberies: Do not use a cell phone or headphones while walking, and keep electronic devices hidden; do not walk alone; walk confidently and make eye contact with passers-by; avoid shortcuts through parks or dark areas; if you feel threatened or followed, trust your instincts and cross the street or enter a store or other public area where you can call police; do not respond to strangers attempting to converse with you; avoid carrying a purse, and hold it securely between your arm and body if you do carry one; have house and car keys ready before you get to your door.
If you are confronted by a robber: remain as calm as possible. If the robber claims to have a weapon, do not challenge or resist and cooperate. Never attempt to chase the criminal. Afterward, go to a safe location and call the police.
For more information about crime prevention, contact the E-13 Community Service Office at 617-343-5624 or [email protected].
Information courtesy District E-13 Community Service Office.