Harvard cautions women after attack

Harvard University students are being warned to be vigilant walking through campus and surrounding areas following an attack on a female student in Harvard Yard Tuesday.

Police said in a crime alert e-mailed to students this week that the victim had reported an assault and battery at about 1:40 a.m. in the yard, the quad just off Harvard Square near Houghton Library.

In a log entry posted on the university police website, police wrote that the unidentified student was "approached from behind by an unknown individual who then placed a wire around their neck."

"The reporting party stated that they pulled the wire away and kicked the individual," police said.

In their e-mail, police recommended that students take appropriate precautions, such as walking in groups and using the university shuttle bus, van service, and walking escort program.

"If you suspect you are being followed, stay away from dimly lit areas, and head for a store or building that you know to be open," police said. "Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area and call the Harvard University Police Department."

University spokesman Robert Mitchell did not comment. In Harvard Yard last night, students said that although they were concerned, they had not changed their routines.

"It's pretty scary," said Lee Evangelakos, 18, a freshman from Manhattan who was heading to her dorm room and then to a friend's house. "I haven't acted differently because of it, although I probably should have."

She said she thought the university had handled the attack well, at least in the short term, by warning students and walking female students back to their dorms from libraries, she said.

Evangelakos said she was not afraid of walking alone. "I'm from New York, so I'm fine walking around by myself," she said.

Alyssa Hill, 19 a freshman from Sherborn, said the Harvard area was safe.