Tips From Boston Police After Beacon Hill Sexual Assaults

As Boston Police continue to investigate three sexual assaults on Beacon Hill last week and release videos of a possible suspect, they are providing tips for those in the neighborhood.

The three victims of the reported assaults were women, with one happening in broad daylight and the other two taking place at night.

Here are the tips from police:

• Always be aware of your surroundings especially at night. When parking 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 all passing vehicles.
• Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use the whistle to signal for help.
• Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are all ways of getting attention and getting help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Call ahead to your destination to let them know that you’re on the way. Be sure they know when to expect you so, in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know to begin looking for you.
• Trust your instincts and realize this: anyone can be a victim of crime. Don’t ever assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
• If a n 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.

The first incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. May 30, in the area of Anderson Street, while the second and third incidents both happened around 11:30 p.m. May 31, the second near Phillips Street and the third on Garden Street approaching Phillips Street.

Police said anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit at 617-343-4400. Community members wanting to assist this investigation anonymously are asked to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

Police said is you or anyone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources or someone to talk to, contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24-hour hotline at 1-800-841-8371.