Cambridge Police Investigating Emerging Pattern of Housebreaks and Car Break-Ins

The Cambridge Police would like to notify residents living in the Cambridgeport and Mid-Cambridge neighborhoods of an emerging pattern of housebreaks and car break-ins that have occurred over the past two weeks. 

Since Friday, August 18, there have been five housebreaks and two car break-ins in the two neighborhoods, primarily in the early morning hours between midnight and 6 a.m. The most commonly targeted item in these breaks has been laptops that were left near exposed windows. In two of the housebreaks, doors were unlocked allowing easy access for the suspect(s). In three of the break-ins, a rock or brick-like object was used to smash windows and access a residence or vehicle.

Only one of the victims was able to provide a description of a possible suspect, who was described as a “tall, light-skinned black male, wearing dreadlocks” who was seen fleeing on a bicycle.  

A complete listing of the dates, streets and properties is outlined below:

While the Cambridge Police investigate these incidents and provide extra attention to these impacted areas, the Department encourages residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves and their belongings from theft:

• ALWAYS lock your doors and windows at your residence, particularly your basement door(s) and don’t forget about those that can be accessed by a fire escape.
• Install guards on windows that prevent them from being raised more than a few inches.
• NEVER prop open a door or let someone in behind you if you live in an apartment building, particularly if you don’t know them.
• Install motion sensor lights around your home and out of reach.
• NEVER leave valuables in your car.
• Make sure all of your car doors are locked and windows are rolled up when leaving your vehicle, including when parked in a residential driveway.
• If you must leave packages or valuables in your car, place them in the trunk or under a blanket to conceal them so that they are not exposed.
• If you see something, say something. It is critically important for residents to report any crime or activity that may appear to be suspicious.

Additional tips to help you protect your homes, vehicles and belongings from theft can be found at www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips.

Anyone with any information related to these incidents are asked to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300.  Those who wish to provide information anonymously may dial the Cambridge Police Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-3359 and leave a message.  Anonymous tips may also be sent via the Cambridge Police MyPD mobile app or via text message to 847411. Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message.  To send anonymous tips via email, visit www.CambridgePolice.org/Tips.
 

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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.