Cambridge Police Share Information on Armed Street Robberies in Area Four

The Cambridge Police Department is asking residents to be vigilant after two Cambridge residents were victimized in armed robberies late last night/early this morning in Area Four.

The first incident occurred at approximately midnight after a male in his early 20s stated he was walking alone down Norfolk Street towards Central Square, when a suspect asked him for change for a $5. When the victim stated he didn’t have any money, the suspect lifted up his shirt and showed a black gun. Another suspect then told the suspect carrying the gun to ask the victim for his phone. The suspects fled the area once they obtained the victim’s phone. 

Minutes later, a second incident occurred at approximately 12:04 a.m. in the area of Washington and Norfolk Streets.  One male in his late 20s stated that he was approached by two black male suspects from behind. He was told to empty his pockets. After initially refusing, one of the suspects pointed a black gun at him, while the other suspect searched the victim’s pockets. After running down Washington Street towards Columbia Street, the suspect with the gun dropped it on the ground.  During an investigation, the Cambridge Police recovered a BB gun and a magazine cartridge. People in the area notified officers that their friend had also just been robbed by two black males. 

The suspects are believed at this time to be connected to both incidents. The victims described both suspects as black males, in their teens/early 20s. One suspect was described as approximately 5’8”, thin build, wearing a white t-shirt and white and black zebra stripe pants. The other suspect was described as older of the two, with a larger build, and wearing a dark blue or black hoodie. 

Cambridge Police are actively investigating these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300.   Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via phone, email, and text message, should visit www.CambridgePolice.org/Tips.

To avoid being victimized, Cambridge Police encourage all persons to take the following precautions when walking at night:

• Do not wear earbuds, headphones, or listen to music while walking alone.
• Always walk with a friend or in a group when possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts.
• Walk with confidence on the street and at a good, steady pace. Keep your head up and observe your surroundings.  Don't look down at the ground.
• If you feel you are being followed, show you are suspicious – Turn to look at the person. This sends a clear message that you will not be taken by surprise.
• Change directions.  If someone is following you on foot, cross the street and vary your pace. If the person following you is in a car, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
• If approached, DO NOT RESIST.  The best course of action is to hand over money and whatever other belongings are demanded and try to disengage from this confrontational and potentially dangerous situation as soon as possible. Remember, things can always be replaced.
• Try to remember descriptive information about the robber (height, age, race, etc.) to relay to police when reporting any potential incidents.
• Please call the police immediately to report an incident. 
• Do not handle any property that may be potential evidence. Allow the police to retrieve evidence.

More safety tips are available on the Cambridge Police Department’s website at www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips.

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The Cambridge Police Department is committed to the enforcement of laws and preservation of order that protect the rights and property of every person within the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of police service and to impact crime, and its associated elements, through the utilization of new and proven crime prevention strategies and problem-solving partnerships with our community.  For more information, follow @CambridgePolice on Twitter, or access the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice.