The following incidents were selected from the Lexington Police Department log during the week leading up to November 24. The Lexington Observer does not independently verify this information.
FYI: All Night Parking Ban: “Commencing December 1 through April 1, the Lexington Police Department will strictly enforce the provisions of the All-Night Parking Ban. Parking on a sidewalk is always prohibited. Parking on any street or way or within 5 feet of the edge of any street or way, or in any municipal off-street parking area for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of. 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is strictly prohibited. Violators may be towed at the expense of the registered owner.
*Strict enforcement is necessary for efficient snow removal throughout the winter months, even though road conditions and weather forecasts may be favorable. Thank you for cooperating.”
Community Engagement
Monday, November 17 at 2:50 p.m., Chief McLean attended the quarterly board meeting of the Domestic Violence Service Network in Concord.
Tuesday, November 18 at 8:00 a.m., Lieutenant Detective Dunbar and Detective Ducharme attended the 7th Annual Faith-Based Safety and Security Summit at Gillette Stadium.
Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m., Chief McLean and Captains Mazerall and Barry attended the 59th annual Lions Club Sports Night.
Suspicious Activity
Monday, November 17 at 1:05 p.m., a Fiske Rd. resident called to report a black VW Jetta running unoccupied for four hours. The responding officer spoke to the operator of the vehicle, who stated he was “just taking a break.” He left the area without incident.
Disturbance
Thursday, November 20 at 11:30 a.m., a Mass Ave. resident reported “her neighbor was harassing her.” Responding officers spoke with the residents who were arguing over the fence about “yard cleanliness and other civil issues.” No crimes had occurred. The neighbors were advised on civil matters and how to obtain harassment prevention orders at Concord District Court.
Town Bylaws: Gas Leaf Blower Infractions During this past week, 30 reports regarding gas leaf blower bylaw infractions were made. After a year of leniency and countless complaints from residents, enforcement via homeowners’ fines has been implemented.
*Residents will be fined for these infractions, as homeowners are responsible for all that occurs on their property. Remember to alert your employees to follow Lexington’s Bylaws.
Animal Control and Complaint
Monday, November 17 at 8:55 a.m., a Shade St. caller reported a kitten with its head “stuck in something.” The LFD was able to free the kitten.
Tuesday, November 18 at 8:40 a.m., a Ryder Lane resident reported she had a “fisher cat” trapped in her basement. The responding officer located a possum instead and removed it for her.
Wednesday, November 19 at 6:55 p.m., a Grove St. resident called regarding a bear stuck in his fenced-in backyard. Dispatch notified the environmental police. The responding officer reported no bear in the area. The fence was low, and there was a wooden gate on the far side that was open. There were some deer in the area. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the residents, who stated they saw the black bear about 10 or 15 feet off their back deck, eating a pumpkin. The environmental Police Sergeant arrived on scene and talked to the homeowners. This information was forwarded to ACO Leskouski on 11/20.
Thursday, November 20 at 7:50 p.m., a Fifer Lane resident reported a bear in his yard. The responding officer observed the bear in the backyard woods. The bear did not appear “aggressive” and went after the bird feeder in the resident’s yard. The resident was advised to remove the feeders.
Saturday, November 22 at 3:05 p.m., a caller reported a dog tied up outside of Rancatore’s Ice Cream for approximately 30 minutes. The responding officer reported the owner arrived and took possession of the dog, and all was in order.
Sunday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m., a Robinson Rd. caller reported a loose dog in the area. The responding officer spoke with the area resident, who advised him that he had called the owner who came and retrieved the dog.
Fraud
Tuesday, November 18 at 11:55 a.m., a Fottler Ave. resident reported she was the victim of a cryptocurrency scam. She transferred approximately $95,000 from her coin-based account into a crypto app named NEXV for trading purposes. She attempted to transfer funds from NEXV back to her coin-based account, but the transaction was denied. Then, she received an email stating she had to pay a compliance fee so they could verify who she was and provide her with a WhatsApp phone number. This resident contacted the phone number and provided a picture of her Social Security card and license. Then, she was asked to wire the $95,000 to an account in New Jersey. Upon completing the wire transfer, the receiving person claimed it was not received. She then realized it had been a scam. She was advised to file a report with the credit bureau and freeze her credit. She also filed an IC3 report with the FBI.
Tuesday, November 18 at 11:55 a.m., a Waltham St. resident reported he was the victim of identity theft. An unknown individual opened a credit card account in November under his name through Lead Bank/ Self Financial, which he did not authorize. They had all of his information but opened the card with a different address. He was notified of the fraudulent account through LifeLock, which monitors his accounts and updates him every two weeks. He has filed with the major credit agencies and put a credit freeze on his account. He also notified Bank of America to monitor his account and filed an identity report with the FTC. At this time, there is no monetary loss, and he believes Lead Financial is in the process of closing the fraudulent account.
Wednesday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m., a Grant St. resident received a call from a medical company offering him medical items and braces in the mail. After speaking with them numerous times, they asked for his Social Security number under the pretense that he would receive an updated medical card in the mail. He provided the information requested and now believes the information is compromised and will be used to open a credit card in his name. He was given instructions to file with the credit bureau, as well as the FTC and SSA. This resident will continue to monitor his accounts. There was no monetary loss.
*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.
RE: leaf blower fines:
I’m not sure who’s quote this is:
“ Residents will be fined for these infractions, as homeowners are responsible for all that occurs on their property. Remember to alert your employees to follow Lexington’s Bylaws”
But it’s wrong.
First of all, a hired landscaping company is not “your employees”! They are responsible as a company and insured for liability as a company. If they decide to use tools while doing their work that violate local bylaws, they , Not the property owner, are responsible!
This statement that “homeowners are responsible for all that occurs on their property” is ludicrous! If a hired tree company breaks OSHA regulations while cutting your tree down is it the property owners responsibility?? Absolutely not, I call BS.
This is a tactic, if the homeowner is fined, the town has leverage to collect the fine. If they were to fine the contractor, they have no leverage against them to ever enforce collection.
I am very disappointed in this tactic, and I’m sure it won’t stand up in court!
The question of enforcement was always a concern with this bylaw, this unlawful move will not settle anything.