Community Alert: Boston Police Offer Prevention Tips For Cell Phone Robberies – Detectives Investigate Recent Robbery Incidents & Make Several Significant Arrests (See Video)

 

Boston Police Department Offers Community Members Important Prevention Tips Regarding Cell Phone Robberies

Detectives Investigate Recent Robbery Incidents & Make Several Significant Arrests

 

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is an exciting time for the city. The flurry of activity can at times cause distraction for all of us which can also create opportunity for thieves. The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to offer some prevention tips to the community on how to protect yourself from a crime of opportunity specifically cell phone robbery.

 

The Boston Police Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) has received 37 reports of cell phone robberies citywide since November 1, 2011 to present. Overall 25 of the 37 incidents occurred between the times of 5:00pm-2:00am. These incidents occurred citywide in areas such as District D-4 (Back Bay/South End) at Berkeley Street, W. Newton St,  Shawmut Ave and Park Drive; District C-11 (Dorchester) at Spring Garden Street. Savin Hill Ave and Washington St; District A-7 (East Boston) near Maverick Square and District A-1 (Downtown) at Joy Street and Milk Street. Analysts report that iPhones and Blackberry’s are some of the more sought after devices.

 

In addition, officers have made significant arrests regarding these robberies. In recent weeks, officers have placed as many as 8 individuals under arrest for both robbery and attempted robbery of cell phones.

 

**It is also important to note that overall robbery is down 4% citywide.

Contact Information:

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact detectives at (617) 343-5619.  You can also provide information anonymously by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity. Your tip is 100% anonymous and we thank you for your help.

 

 

The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of the following:

TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles.
• Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.

WHAT TO DO DURING A ROBBERY:
To reduce the risk of injury, COMPLY WITH THE ROBBER’S DEMANDS. Make a mental note of as much descriptive information as possible.

What to look for:

• Facial Features
• Clothing & Jewelry
• Skin, Hair & Eye Color
• Age, Height, Weight, Sex
• Scars, Tattoos, Marks
• Speech, Accents

WHAT TO DO AFTER A ROBBERY

Observe & Remember:

• Direction of travel
• License plate number
• Type & Color of vehicle
• Type of Weapon displayed
• CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY