Stay Alert

Over the past three months, there have been three assaults on women in Somerville in the Union and Porter Square areas after dark, in the evening and early nighttime hours. Most recently, indecent assaults were reported on Sunday, Jan. 12, in the vicinity of Hawkins St. in Union Sq., and on Thursday, Jan. 2, in the area of Porter and Summer Streets.

The Somerville Police Department is working to identify and apprehend the suspects as quickly as possible, and we wish to alert residents, especially women, to take safety precautions when walking at night. Do not wear ear buds while walking, avoid poorly lit areas, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your cell phone handy at all times, and if possible do not walk alone. If you are approached by a man you do not know, call 911 right away.

 For more information, including descriptions of the suspects, please call the Somerville Police Department or visit www.somervillema.gov.

 Anyone with information regarding any of these assaults is asked to contact the Somerville Police Department at 617.625.1600.

The Somerville Police Department Tuesday released the sketch of a suspect who may have committed sexual assaults in the areas around Union and Porter squares over the past three months.