BOSTON POLICE CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE TWO REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTToday the Boston Police Department in conjunction with the Mayor\’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, the Licensing Board for the City of Boston and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) hosted over 80 local liquor establishments at the District A-1 (Downtown) police station. The purpose of the meeting was to inform bar owners about two incidents of sexual assault that originated in the State Street area.
Captains Bernard O’Rourke and William Evans along with detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit presented an overview of the incidents and detailed the continued police response. Boston Police encouraged ongoing cooperation from bar owners to assist with prevention efforts. Police also urged bar staff to be vigilant for suspicious activity.
Representatives from BARCC were on hand to provide helpful tips on ways establishments could assist with preventing incidents of sexual assault. Also, BARCC offered to provide additional training for bar managers and staff.
The Boston Police Department has received two reports of sexual assault incidents that have occurred on District A-1/A-15 (Downtown/Charlestown). Recent DNA findings suggest that these two incidents are connected. Boston Police along with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating these incidents.
Incident Description:
On August 8, 2007, a female victim reports being in the area of Stuart Street some time in the early morning hours. Victim reports that she accepts a ride from an individual, whom she believed she recognizes. She reports that her vehicle was parked at State Street and Commercial Street. The victim then reports being in the area of Charlestown off Terminal Street, where she was sexually assaulted.
Incident Description:
On November 22, 2007, a female victim was in the area of State Street in the early morning hours. Victim then reports arriving in Charlestown, where she was sexually assaulted. Limited details are available on this incident.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding both incidents. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Sexual Assault Unit detectives at (617) 343-4400.
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.
· Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
· 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 the use of cell phones or headphones.
· Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
· Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are other ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
· Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
· Carry a cell phone.
· Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure that you’re expected at a certain time, so people will know to look for you in the event you fail to arrive at the designated time.
· Walk with confidence. Be assertive – don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime. Don’t 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.
· If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.
OVER 80 LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS ATTEND MEETING AT BOSTON POLICE DISTRICT A-1
BOSTON POLICE CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE TWO REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULTToday the Boston Police Department in conjunction with the Mayor\’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, the Licensing Board for the City of Boston and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) hosted over 80 local liquor establishments at the District A-1 (Downtown) police station. The purpose of the meeting was to inform bar owners about two incidents of sexual assault that originated in the State Street area.
Captains Bernard O’Rourke and William Evans along with detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit presented an overview of the incidents and detailed the continued police response. Boston Police encouraged ongoing cooperation from bar owners to assist with prevention efforts. Police also urged bar staff to be vigilant for suspicious activity.
Representatives from BARCC were on hand to provide helpful tips on ways establishments could assist with preventing incidents of sexual assault. Also, BARCC offered to provide additional training for bar managers and staff.
The Boston Police Department has received two reports of sexual assault incidents that have occurred on District A-1/A-15 (Downtown/Charlestown). Recent DNA findings suggest that these two incidents are connected. Boston Police along with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating these incidents.
Incident Description:
On August 8, 2007, a female victim reports being in the area of Stuart Street some time in the early morning hours. Victim reports that she accepts a ride from an individual, whom she believed she recognizes. She reports that her vehicle was parked at State Street and Commercial Street. The victim then reports being in the area of Charlestown off Terminal Street, where she was sexually assaulted.
Incident Description:
On November 22, 2007, a female victim was in the area of State Street in the early morning hours. Victim then reports arriving in Charlestown, where she was sexually assaulted. Limited details are available on this incident.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding both incidents. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Sexual Assault Unit detectives at (617) 343-4400.
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.
· Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
· 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 the use of cell phones or headphones.
· Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
· Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are other ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
· Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
· Carry a cell phone.
· Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure that you’re expected at a certain time, so people will know to look for you in the event you fail to arrive at the designated time.
· Walk with confidence. Be assertive – don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime. Don’t 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.
· If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.