The following incidents were selected from the Lexington Police Department log during the week leading up to May 19. The Lexington Observer does not independently verify this information.
A Vehicle Breaking and Entering Spree
In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 17, over 30 residents began reporting vehicle break-ins just after 3 a.m. near Route 128 and Massachusetts Avenue neighborhoods. These targeted areas provided easy access and quick escape from multiple neighborhoods off Paul Revere Road and School Street. Most reported their vehicle consoles and glove boxes had been searched, but little was taken. Others had left their wallets and other valuables in their vehicles. Some locks and ignitions were damaged as the two-man crew attempted to steal vehicles.
Community Engagement
Wednesday, May 14, at 9 a.m., Detective Dunbar attended the Human Rights Committee meeting as the Lexington Police Department liaison.
Friday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m., an officer assisted with the Hastings Elementary School bike train event.
K-9 Community Engagement
Thursday, May 15, at 4 p.m., Officer Hankins and K9 Watson attended the Unified basketball game at Lexington High School.
Friday, May 16, at 10:30 a.m., Officer Hankins and K9 Watson attended the mental health awareness BBQ hosted at Lexington High School.
Sunday, May 18, at 12:05 p.m., Officer Hankins and K9 Watson attended the Lexington Youth Commission’s annual island cleanup event.
Directed Park, Lock, and Walk – Schools
This week, officers made five visits to elementary schools, three visits to middle schools, and two to the high school. During these visits, officers interacted with faculty, students, and staff members while they familiarized themselves with the layout of the school buildings.
Suspicious Activity
Thursday, May 15, at 4:15 p.m., a Bond Road resident reported concerns regarding a trailer parked nearby for two weeks in a spot that created a possible hazard. The responding officer spoke with the John Poulter Road resident owner of the trailer, who stated he’d purchased the trailer in New Hampshire and had temporary plates. He showed the officer his proof of sale, title, and other supporting documents. He was advised to move the trailer onto his property.
Saturday, May 17, at 3:20 a.m., a School St. resident reported someone driving around that appeared to be looking into cars.
Saturday, May 17, at 8:10 a.m., a Lowell Street resident reported a blue Toyota Sienna slowly passing her residence multiple times and taking video on May 16. A neighboring resident corroborated the story and had images of the vehicle.
Saturday, May 17, at 11:10 a.m., a Centre Street resident reported an individual who appeared to be stealing packages from a porch. Responding officers spoke with the resident where the packages had been taken. He explained that it had been a friend who was picking up his packages, and no larceny had occurred.
Disturbance, Noise Complaint, and Leaf Blower Bylaw Infractions
Wednesday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m., a Fletcher Avenue resident complained that a generator on Grant Street was extremely loud, and it was an ongoing issue. The responding officer checked the area and there was no noise. The officer attempted to follow up with the complainant, but there was no answer at the door and it appeared the noise complaint was unfounded.
Friday, May 16, 7:35 p.m., a neighbor from a nearby street reported a lawn care company working after hours on Ledgelawn Avenue. The responding officer advised Orega Landscaping of the town’s bylaw, and they stated they were finished for the night.
Saturday, May 17, at 8:40 a.m., a Hillcrest Avenue resident complained that landscapers started work prior to 9 a.m. The Rivera Brothers Landscaping Company was advised of the town’s bylaw.
Sunday, May 18, at 12:35 a.m., a Lexington Ridge Dr. resident reported a vehicle playing very loud music. The responding officer checked the area and all was quiet.
Sunday, May 18, at 10:30 a.m., an off-duty cadet requested assistance due to vehicles at an event revving their engines and driving erratically. The responding officer spoke with the event organizer and found there were numerous signs set up at the event that stated, “Revving of engines and/or burnouts prohibited.” The crowd was advised to disperse due to growing safety concerns of 50+ pedestrians lining McGuire Road, making it unsafe for vehicles.
Town Bylaws – Leaf Blower
During this past week, 10 reports regarding gas leaf blower bylaw infractions were made. Residents can be fined for these infractions. Please note that homeowners are responsible for all that occurs on their property. If necessary, remind your employees to follow Lexington’s Bylaws.
Animal Control and Complaints
Monday, May 12, at 8:30 a.m., a Woburn Street resident reported her dog ran out of the house. The 13-year-old labradoodle was deaf. The Animal Control Officer (ACO) was notified. The ACO spoke with this Woburn St. resident and suggested she check inside the house. The dog was found under a bed.
Monday, May 12, at 6:20 p.m., a resident near Mass Ave. and Pelham Road reported a German shepherd mix running in the street. The ACO and another officer searched the area, but did not locate the dog.
Tuesday, May 13, at 10:55 a.m., a report was made of a FedEx driver bitten by a dog at a Tower Road residence while delivering a package on May 12. He approached the door, held out the package, and a German shepherd mix ran out, wagging his tail but barking. The resident believes the delivery person extended his hand to discourage the dog, but the animal bit it.
Wednesday, May 14, at 9:50 p.m., a caller reported a deceased raccoon on the side of the road near the Grove Street bridge and 128 overpass. The responding officer contacted the Department of Public Works (DPW) for removal.
Larceny
Monday, May 12, at 11:05 a.m., a Mass. Ave. resident reported an unsecured Cannondale mountain bike with a black U-lock and a phone mount stolen from the backyard sometime after 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Friday, May 16, at 11:15 a.m., a Waltham Street resident reported her diamond ring was stolen/missing from her apartment.
Saturday, May 17, at 7:10 p.m., a Rockville Avenue resident reported his daughter was at a birthday party on Buckman Drive and left her bike unsecured against a tree. When she returned for it at 6:40 p.m., the bicycle was gone. She last saw it at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, at 9:35 a.m., a Lawrence Lane resident reported his vehicle had been stolen sometime overnight. He last saw the unsecured vehicle at 8:30 p.m. on May 16. His other vehicle had been entered and searched. Two pairs of golf shoes and clothing had been taken. This resident valued these items at $400. This vehicle had also been unsecured. Mass State Police (MSP) in Danvers notified Lexington PD on May 18 that they had located the vehicle. Then, MSP notified the owner.
Fraud
Monday, May 12, at 1:10 p.m., a Hilltop Avenue resident reported receiving mailers from credit card companies indicating someone used her information on applications to open credit card accounts. She contacted Wells Fargo and explained she had not applied. She did not provide any personal information and did not lose any funds. When this resident returned two days later, she had mailers from American Express, Target, and U.S. Bank indicating someone had applied for credit cards. She stated her credit was frozen and was advised to contact Social Security’s fraud department.
Tuesday, May 13, at 1:20 p.m., a Rumford Road resident reported she was a victim of fraud and had a monetary loss of $2,999. She received a call on May 6 from an unknown number labeled Bank of America. She was told there were several credit card transactions and that someone had access to her accounts. The individual told her he was going to send an access code to put a higher security alert on her accounts. He accessed her account and sent $2,999 to an individual via Zelle. She did not authorize any transaction, and she did not know who the individual was. She grew suspicious and called the number on the back of her debit card and notified Bank of America. She was advised to close her accounts and open new ones after notifying the three major credit bureaus.
Wednesday, May 14, at 1:40 p.m., an individual reported he received a call from someone claiming to represent Eversource requesting that he pay $1,000. He paid… It was a scam.
Thursday, May 15, at 3:30 p.m., a Potter Pond resident received an email stating her Norton services had expired. When she called the number provided, the person demanded $16,000 to renew the subscription. She noticed that the money had been moved from her online bank account into her checking account. She went to the bank to clarify that the money was not lost, just moved into a different account. Her account has been frozen until the bank determines there is no additional risk.
Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m., a Lowell St. resident reported there were two attempts to cash a falsified check he did not write. One check was from a business account and one from a personal account. There is no monetary loss at this time.
Saturday, May 17, at 3 p.m., a Wyman Road resident reported she received mail with an international stamp. Inside, there was a Foxwoods card with her name on it. She stated she had never been to Foxwoods, so she wanted to document the incident and make sure there had been no monetary loss. The responding officer spoke with security at Foxwoods and confirmed the card belonged to a Watertown resident with the same name.
The Lexington Police Department updates its call log on Monday mornings. Lexington Observer coverage is a sampling of incidents and is not an exhaustive list. Logs are available for public viewing.
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