Police Warn of 'Recent Increase' in Assault and Batteries

The Cambridge Police Department is cautioning women in and around Harvard Square about the recent increase in reports of indecent assault and battery in the area.

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, five separate incidents of assault and battery had been reported in the vicinity of Harvard Square in a two-week period.

The most recent of these incidents reportedly occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night, at the intersection of Garden Street and Massachusetts Avenue. The bulletin described the perpetrator as a “black male in his mid-20s, approximately 5’ 10” with a stocky build, short hair and a white t-shirt.”

This incident was only the latest in a recent string of similar assault and batteries. Other assaults were reported on Garden Street, in Brattle Square, and on Mass. Ave. Though the suspects in these incidents were also described as black men with stocky builds between 5’ 8” and 5’ 10”, it is not clear if the cases are related in any way, the bulletin noted. In one incident, an arrest was made.

Though it is unclear whether the victims of these alleged crimes have any affiliation with Harvard, the proximity of the incidents to the University has prompted a joint effort between CPD and Harvard Police.

“Cambridge Police are actively working with the Harvard University Police Department to investigate these incidents and have directed patrols in the Harvard Square area,” the bulletin said.

In an email alert Wednesday, HUPD spokesperson Steven G. Catalano urged Harvard affiliates to take “appropriate precautions" by walking in groups and using shuttle services.

—Staff writer Brett Dowling can be reached at brett.dowling@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @brettjd1996.