Crime alert - Davis and Powderhouse area

[ron_newman]

I got this robo-call and e-mail from the city last night:

The Somerville and Tufts University Police Departments report that over the last three weeks three late night robberies have occurred in the area between Davis Square and Tufts University, with the most recent robbery having occurred very early in the morning on Friday, July 19. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking at night, and, if possible, should not walk alone after dark*. Three separate assaults and robberies were reported in the vicinities of Powderhouse Blvd and Leonard St, Cottage Ave and Walker St. The incidents are believed to be unrelated, and three suspects in one incident has been arrested.

* (editorial note by Ron: I don't find this "should not walk alone" to be useful or sensible advice.)

Comments

[lost-ligeia.livejournal.com]

Well, in general, if you are carrying a vagina with you, most police departments advise that you should not walk alone.

So I guess I shouldn't walk alone either.

[cfox.livejournal.com]

I'm not about to drastically change who I am in response to a crime bulletin, but changing what I carry is on the table.

I would also posit that shifting to "never walk alone" might well have unintended consequences - does it make one a more likely victim of acquaintance rape? Does it cost more in taxi-related expenses than one would lose in a potential robbery?

[ron_newman]

The "don't walk alone" warning in this alert was addressed to everyone, not just to women. The robbery victims have been both women and men. (Still, I don't think it is useful or practical advice.)