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Boston Police increasing patrols along Mass & Cass corridor after five stabbings

BOSTON — The Boston Police Department is increasing patrols along the Mass and Cass corridor after five stabbings over the last few days.

One those stabbings happened on Topeka Street near Southampton Street just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Another happened just blocks away less than an hour later at Mass. Ave. and Newmarket Square.

Investigators have made one arrest so far.

Police reports indicate that all of the most recent attacks being investigated were targeted. One victim told police that “it was just over $30.”

“I just don’t want to see businesses or residents get hurt, which is going to happen,” said Gerry DiPierro, owner of DiPierro Construction. “Twice, I come out of my building, and I’m 250 pounds, and these guys want to go head to head. They won’t let me out of my building.”

DiPierro and other business leaders said the crackdown on tents at the start of the year hasn’t been stopping hundreds of people from congregating on any given day. According to DiPierro, some new tents have recently been appearing in alleys and other hidden places.

“Now it’s worse. They were concentrated in one spot, and now they’re everywhere,” said DiPierro. “Something’s got to be done differently than what’s being done now.”

Others who live in the area or pass through it on their daily commute are also sharing safety concerns with Boston 25 News.

“It feels like everybody is in a rage. It’s like everybody’s just so angry, like a ticking time bomb,” said Liz Minard, who works at Boston Medical Center.

Minard said she’s routinely alarmed by what she’s seeing around her and is worried about what’s in store for the warmer months.

“Some days I’m afraid to even walk through here to be honest with you,” she explained.

Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is still enforcing the ban on tents in public places. She pointed out that the city has helped place 180 people into housing and remains focused on getting people help.

“We are continuing to work to tackle root causes here. That the need for treatment and services and housing is immediately met and that the supports for public safety are also in place,” said Mayor Wu.

Mayor Wu’s Press Office also sent the following statement to Boston 25 News:

“The safety of Engagement Center clients and staff is our top priority. The Boston Public Health Commission is working closely with the Boston Police Department to enhance safety procedures. The Boston Public Health Commission continuously monitors and evaluates safety and security protocols to ensure they meet our current needs.”

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