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.
