Harvard police said yesterday they may have a lead in the series of armed robberies which have victimized students over the last two weeks.

Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) Chief Francis D. "Bud" Riley said he believes the armed robberies of two undergraduates near the Quad and a first-year through a window in Wigglesworth Hall may be related.

HUPD's investigation has "targeted a group of individuals who may be responsible [for these two crimes]," Riley said.

But the police chief said he did not believe the third and most recent attack, which occurred Saturday afternoon on Quincy Street near Lamont Library, was connected to the others.

Additionally, the victim of that attack was a student at the Graduate School of Education, he said, not an undergraduate as HUPD had reported earlier.

Terming the recent rash of crime "a very serious matter," Riley said HUPD has upped the visibility of patrols in the Quad and River areas.

Yard security has also been increased in response to the incidents, said HUPD spokesperson Peggy A. McNamara.

McNamara said the location of the Lamont attack is a bigger cause for concern than the fact that it took place in the mid-afternoon.

Campus Concerns

Saturday's incident demonstrates that the danger is not limited to specific hours or locations, said Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68. College security is "actively under review," he added.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, who is handling the administration's response to the attacks, said he asked Riley for increased patrols in the Yard area yesterday.

Epps also said a safety advisory for the College will be issued today. It will include special provisions for the Yard area where, he said, the attacks seem to be centered.

Student organizations are also urging greater precautions in light of the recent attacks.

"Students are going to have to be more aware. Harvard is really only a dangerous place if you think it's a safe place," said Marco B. Simons '97, a volunteer for Safety Walk.

A self-defense workshop sponsored by Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS) is scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. in the Lyman Common Room. While not planned in direct response to the attacks, said Megan L. Peimer '97, co-president of RUS, the workshop is "coming at a perfect time."

RUS is also forming a runners' alliance to reduce the numbers of students who place themselves at risk by running alone, she said