East Boston police are investigation a string of street robberies that have occurred in the neighborhood since February 21. Since that date there have been five robberies all occurring near the Maverick area between the 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“The times and areas the robberies have occurred are a coincidence. There is nothing to lead us to believe they are connected or being done by the same group,” said District 7 Captain Kelley McCormick. “We have put out extra patrols and man power, including myself, in the area.”
McCormick said one suspect that was recently arrested on drug and weapons charges may be connected to one of the robberies and police are now looking for accomplices.
While there was some concern that in all of the robberies there have been two or more suspects, and in two of the robberies the suspects wore black and white bandanas. In two of the robberies the suspects showed a firearm.
“We are always concerned when a weapon or gun is involved,” said McCormick. “However, the descriptions in all the robberies are different and the use of black and white bandanas in two of the robberies has nothing to do with gang involvement or a connection to a certain group.”
The first robbery occurred on February 21 at 6 a.m. near Bremen and Porter Street. During that robbery a black and white male armed with a handgun robbed the victim of cash.
The second robbery occurred one day later at 1:20 a.m. near Sumner and Bremen Streets. At that location two unknown males assaulted the victim from behind and stole his wallet.
The third incident occurred the same day at 11:23 p.m. near Orleans and Haynes Streets where two white males and a black Hispanic male wearing bandanas showed a firearm and robbed the victim of his wallet and gym bag.
The fourth incident occurred on February 24 at 1:20 a.m. at Gove and Paris Streets where three black males and one black Hispanic male demanded the victim hand over his cell phone and then grab it.
The last robbery occurred the next night at 10:49 p.m. at Orleans Street where two white males wearing bandanas demanded the victim hand over her cell phone and cash.
In two of the robberies cell phones were robbed so McCormick said police are investigating places where the stolen merchandise is being sold and then resold.
“These guys know were to take the stolen goods and we intend to find out,” he said.
In the meantime McCormick is reminding residents to always be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
When parking, walking or returning to a 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 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. If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence and call police.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is advised to please contact A7 Detectives at 617-343-4234. Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous.
1 comment for “Police Looking into Robberies”