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Police: Cambridge thieves could be targeting cellphones

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Residents of Cambridge are on high alert following six robberies which occurred within their community in recent days.

Police in Cambridge believe each of the incidents, including a stabbing and an armed robbery, were orchestrated by different suspects; however, each of the alleged thieves targeted one item – expensive cellphones.

The robberies occurred in three different sections of Cambridge at about 10 p.m.

Police said the alleged thieves got away with expensive cellphones and wonder whether the newest release of iPhones could be behind the rash of robberies.

The first incident, a stabbing, occurred Sept. 8 in John F. Kennedy Park. It is the only case so far in which police have made an arrest.

On Sept. 26, three women were assaulted and two cellphones stolen during unarmed robberies on Appleton Street and Kirkland at Holden Street.

Additionally, a male was robbed of his cellphone at gunpoint by two males on Buena Vista Park and Upland Road on September 29. This crime was not immediately reported to police and no suspects were apprehended.

The most recent incident occurred in Harvard Square on Sept. 30. A lone robber allegedly mugged a man at knifepoint, taking his backpack. Police believe they could have solved this crime, but say the victim was uncooperative. The university put out an alert to students and staff.

As a result of the attacks, police have stepped up patrols in the area. Detectives continue to actively pursue leads in each of these alleged crimes.

Police are urging residents in Cambridge to be protective of the cellphones.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cambridge Police Department at 617-349-3300.