CAMBRIDGE (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) Harvard University students and visitors are exercising caution after reports of a second rape in less than a week near the prestigious institution.
Tourists to the area expressed concern after learning of the crimes on Saturday.
"I kind of expect it to be a safe place just because of the atmosphere, it's Harvard, prestigious school, there are gates everywhere, you expect it to be safe, but you have to pay attention to everything around you," says Shari Roder.
Another tourist tells FOX 25 that she feels Boston is a safe area and so is Harvard. She thinks that while Boston may not be the safest place in the world, it is not as bad as other cities.
Security has been increased at the university as Cambridge and campus police are investigating the report of a rape near Harvard on Tuesday. A woman, who was not affiliated with the university, told Somerville police that she was raped in the area of Oxford and Kirkland Streets after 11 p.m.
The woman described the man who raped her as a white man in his mid-20s, 5 feet, 6 inches tall with a thin build and dark, spiked hair. The woman told police the man was wearing dark pants.
The reported rape comes a week after another woman reported she was raped near Harvard Yard.
In that case, the woman told police she was pulled behind Massachusetts Hall at about 3:15 a.m. on August 10.
The man in that case was described as a very tan male, in his mid-20s, with a medium build and dark hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call 617-495-1796.
