Be Aware – Indecent Assault
The Boston Police Department needs your help in two incidents involving indecent assaults. If you have an information about the following incidents your are urged to contact police. You can call detectives directly at 617-343-4400 or by anonymously calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Below is from bpdnews.com:
Incident #1: At about 1:37 AM on Thursday July 16, 2015, officers assigned to District C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call in the area of Farragut Road for a woman screaming. Officers located a female victim who stated that she was approached from behind and touched inappropriately by a Hispanic male in his early twenties, 5’07-5’09, dressed in a dark colored shirt and camouflage shorts. When the victim screamed for help, the suspect ran down Farragut Road towards East First Street.
Incident #2: Officers assigned to District C-6 (South Boston) took a walk in report from a female victim who stated that at about 3:00 AM on Saturday September 5, 2015, she was approached from behind and touched inappropriately by a Hispanic male in his early twenties, 5’09-5’10, dressed in a dark jacket (Aviator style or Varsity style) in the area of Boston and Mayhew Streets. The victim stated that when she screamed for help, the suspect fled on foot down Mayhew Street back towards Boston Street.
The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives directly at (617) 343-4400. Community members wishing to assist these investigations anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.
***NOTE: At present, the BPD has no information – other than the proximity of the incidents – to indicate that the assaults are connected.
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.
- Avoid walking alone late at night. When possible, walk with friends and people you know.
- 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.
- Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it to signal residents that you need help. Yelling words like: “Fire!” “Help!” or “Rape!” are other effective ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need assistance.
- Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
- Before going out, call ahead to let friends or family know you’re on the way. Designate a time you expect to arrive, so that in the event you fail to show up on time, they’ll know enough to begin looking for you.
- Walk with confidence. Be assertive. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts and know that anyone at any time can be a victim of crime. Never assume: “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
- If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
- Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
- POST FOOTER
