The following incidents were selected from the Lexington Police Department log during the week leading up to September 22. The Lexington Observer does not independently verify this information.
Community Engagement
Wednesday, September 17, at 9 a.m., several members of the police department attended the First Responder Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by Enterprise Bank.
Wednesday, September 17, Detective Chaisson taught a Home Alone class at Lexington High School for 16 parents and students. This class is designed to help students feel safer and more secure when home alone or with siblings. Along with methods of dealing with other common situations, they learned telephone and doorbell-answering strategies.
Friday, September 19, at 8:20 a.m., an officer participated in the Bike Train to Hastings School.
Disturbance
Friday, September 19, at 4:25 p.m., two juveniles and a woman were arguing inside the Stop and Shop. The juveniles had “dinged” her phone, and she wanted to speak with an officer. Upon arrival, it was apparent that this was a prank that is done on social media platforms. The woman thought they had stolen money or data from her phone. The responding officer spoke with the parents, who understood this was a “harmless prank” but could have led to a more serious incident.
Friday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m., multiple callers reported a protest on Compton Circle. They were very loud and caused a disturbance that lasted a relatively brief period of time. The responding officer reported this was the same group that had gathered earlier in September. The responding officer checked the area, and all was calm upon arrival.
Friday, September 19, at 7:50 p.m., a caller reported a group of several teenage boys harassing people walking on Waltham Street near Lexington Center. They were “swearing and yelling slurs.” The responding officer reported all was calm upon arrival.
Friday, September 19, at 8:05 p.m., a caller reported a group of boys riding around the track too close to people. He stated they were now on the playground. The responding officers reported that the boys were leaving the area when they arrived.
Town Bylaws Leaf Blower Infractions (455) – During this past week, four reports regarding the 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.
Wednesday, September 17, at 5:45 a.m., an officer located Republic Services picking up trash from the rear lot behind CVS at 1735 Mass. Ave. The responding officer advised the operator of the bylaws prohibiting trash pickup before 6 a.m.
Saturday, September 20, at 8:15 a.m., a caller reported construction equipment being used before 9 a.m. The responding officer spoke with PEO Construction and advised them of the town bylaw. They stated they would “take a break” and resume at 9 a.m.
Animal Control and Complaints
Monday, September 15, at 5:55 a.m., a caller reported seeing a medium-sized, white dog wearing a black harness and a blue scarf. The dog was walking by itself on Bedford Street near 128. The responding officer checked the area, but was unable to locate the dog.
Tuesday, September 16, at 6:55 p.m., a caller reported finding a black and white Husky without a collar on Adams Street. He took the dog to the town’s animal shelter on Westview Street.
Wednesday, September 17, at 10:55 a.m., an officer went to the Lexington animal shelter on Westview St. to make sure there was fresh water for the dog being held.
Wednesday, September 17, at 12:35 p.m., the Animal Control Officer followed up with Westwood St. residents for a possible owner match to the dog in the kennel. The dog was reunited with its owners.
Thursday, September 18, at 3:55 p.m., a caller stated there was a raccoon in the middle of Lincoln Street “struggling to survive.” The caller stated it looked as if it might have been hit by a car. The responding officer reported the raccoon had passed away on its own. DPW was notified for pick up.
Saturday, September 20, at 1:40 p.m., a Prospect Hill Road resident came in seeking advice about an ongoing issue with a barking dog on Wachusett Drive. He stated that “for at least one year, the dog had barked and disturbed the neighborhood.” He did not know what type of dog it was and does not know the owner. He explained he did not want to approach the neighbor, but would call the police for assistance if the dog continued to bark. This resident requested a follow-up call from the ACO.
Larceny and Burglary
Thursday, September 18, at 8:10 a.m., a CVS employee reported a possible incident of shoplifting in progress. The responding officer served a Trespass Notice Order to a Worcester resident.
Friday, September 19, at 10:15 a.m., an officer noticed suspicious activity near the abandoned property at 676 Marrett Road. When checked, the property appeared to have been entered. The Lexington Health Department was notified that paperwork was found on the property referencing them. Notifications had been sent to the property owners to secure the property; however, they have been non-responsive.
Fraud
Monday, September 15, at 11:15 a.m., a Lowell Street resident reported she had received a fraudulent email. An attempt had been made to withdraw money from her account. During this time, there had been no access to the account or loss of funds.
Monday, September 15, at 1:50 p.m., the manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts at Hanscomb reported an employee, who had been fired, altered a paycheck and cashed it. Their corporate office was notified.
Monday, September 15, at 2:10 p.m., a motorist spoke to an officer on patrol in Lexington Center regarding a scam that claimed there was a warrant out for her arrest for missing a court appearance. She explained she received phone calls regarding a court date and a number to call, or she would be arrested. She was advised not to tell anyone what was going on and to go to a federal Bitcoin kiosk in Malden. The officer advised this resident that no IRS inquiry had been made, there were no active warrants, and to not answer calls from the number. She was advised to block the number. There is no monetary loss at this time.
Friday, September 19, at 3:50 p.m., a Watertown Street resident reported she received a computer alert regarding a virus on her computer. Then, she received a call instructing her to send $178,000 by wire on three separate occasions. The money was sent over a period of two months through UPS. In addition, the subject picked up money directly from the victim. She was advised not to have contact with the individual again.
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.